Abstract

APPLICATIONS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY IN OSTEOPOROSIS

Khodor Haidar Hassan*, Joelle Azzi, Gian Marco Oppo, Hadi Raef Rida, Roberto Vecchioni, Mohamad Ali Chahrour, Mehdi Raef Rida, Fadel Nahle, Hadi Farhat, Edwin Parra Prada and Ahmad Najib Ballout

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a recommended treatment for all hypoxic pathologies. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) consists of breathing 100% oxygen or enriched mixtures at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure, in a suitable environment (hyperbaric chamber). HBOT has been used for decades as a recommended treatment for hypoxic-ischemic and infectious disorders. The pressures utilized vary from 2.2 to 2.8 ATA. Materials and Methods: 20 Osteoporosis patients treated underwent HBOT at 1.5 ATA and 100% oxygen for a total of 15 sessions. Results: 20 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis aged between 38 -73 with a median age of 65 are treated with HBOT. They are assigned for 15 sessions; 5 sessions per week; 1hour per session then repeated after 15 days rest for 15 sessions for 3 sessions per week. The bone mineral density (BMD) findings before and after the sessions show a significant value increase of 18.5% with a 1% margin of errors. 19 out of 20 patients show a high reduction in lumbar spasms. 17 out of 20 patients marked a significant drop from high to moderate and low pain. 15 out of 20 patients manifest a clinical improvement with a range of motion in the lumbar spine. Conclusions: Osteoporosis patients treated with HBOT were demonstrated. No side effects were observed in any of the women who were treated.

Keywords: The bone mineral density (BMD) findings before and after the sessions show a significant value increase of 18.5% with a 1% margin of errors.