Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Children with Autism
Author Information
Author(s): Rossignol Daniel A, Rossignol Lanier W, James S Jill, Melnyk Stepan, Mumper Elizabeth
Primary Institution: International Child Development Resource Center
Hypothesis
Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in children with autism?
Conclusion
HBOT was safe and well tolerated, did not worsen oxidative stress, and significantly decreased inflammation in children with autism.
Supporting Evidence
- HBOT did not significantly change mean plasma GSSG levels.
- A significant improvement in CRP was found when all 18 children were pooled.
- Statistically significant improvements in motivation, speech, and cognitive awareness were reported by parents.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether breathing pure oxygen in a special chamber could help kids with autism feel better. It found that it was safe and might help reduce some inflammation.
Methodology
Eighteen children with autism underwent 40 hyperbaric sessions, and changes in oxidative stress and inflammation markers were measured before and after treatment.
Potential Biases
Parental ratings may be biased as they were not blinded to the treatment.
Limitations
The study was open-label without a control group, which may introduce bias and limit the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Participant Demographics
18 children, ages 3-16 years, including 4 girls and 14 boys.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.021
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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