Treatment of Post-COVID-19 With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: a Randomized, Controlled Trial

Launched by ERASMUS MEDICAL CENTER · Feb 19, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on people experiencing post-COVID-19 symptoms, often referred to as Long COVID. The researchers want to find out if this treatment can help improve symptoms, enhance quality of life, and reduce time off work for those who have been suffering for at least 12 months after their COVID-19 infection. Participants will take part in 40 sessions of HBOT, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a special chamber. Some participants will receive standard care only, while those in the control group can switch to HBOT after six months if the results are promising.

To be eligible for the trial, participants should be aged 65 and older and have cognitive or physical symptoms affecting their daily life, like fatigue or difficulty with normal activities. It's important that their current treatments have been stable for at least a month before joining. However, not everyone can participate; those who are not fit for hyperbaric treatment or have certain medical conditions may be excluded. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to gather valuable information about the effectiveness and cost of HBOT for managing post-COVID symptoms.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Cognitive and/or physical symptoms ≥ 12 months after acute COVID-19 infection
• • Symptoms include post-exertional malaise (PEM) and/or dysautonomia as assessed by questionnaires and/or NASA LEAN test
• • Symptoms affect day-to-day life (based on SF-36 'role limitations due to physical functioning' score of ≤ 50 at baseline).
• • Current treatment regimen is stable for at least 1 months before inclusion
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unfit for hyperbaric treatment
• • Previous diagnosis of ME/CFS
• • Unable to provide informed consent