ACR Meeting Abstracts

ACR Meeting Abstracts

Abstract Number: 1094

Hyperbaric Oxygen Ameliorates Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Functional Impairment – A Randomized Prospective Trial

Shai Efrati1, Jacob N. Ablin2, Yair Bechor3, Shir Daphna-Tekoah4, Gregory Fishlev5, Yifat Faran4, Jacob Bergan6, Mony Friedman6 and Dan Buskila7, 1Research & Development Unit and Hyperbaric institute, Asaf-Harofeh medical center, Beer Yaacov, Zerifin, Israel, 2Rheumatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, 3Institute of Hyperbaric Medicine, Asaf-Harofeh medical center, Beer Yaacov, Zerifin, Israel, 4School of Social Work, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel, 5Institute of Hyperbaric Medicine, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Beer Yaacov, Zerifin, Israel, 6Hyperbaric institute, Asaf-Harofeh medical center, Beer Yaacov, Zerifin, Israel, 7Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel

Meeting: 2013 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting

Keywords:

Session Information

Title: Fibromyalgia, Soft Tissue Disorders and Pain II

Session Type: Abstract Submissions (ACR)

Background/Purpose:

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), considered to represent a prototype of central nervous system sensitization, is a common condition characterized by chronic widespread pain and diffuse tenderness, along with symptoms of fatigue [1,2]. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT) has the capacity to induce neuroplasticity in different chronic brain pathologies [3]. The current study evaluated the utility of HBOT for influencing central sensitization as a therapeutic modality for FMS. 

Methods:

A prospective, randomized, controlled, two-group trial. The population included 60 female patients of ages 21-67years diagnosed with FMS for at least 2 years. Patients were randomized into two groups: a treated group and a cross group. The patients in the treated group were evaluated twice: at baseline and after HBOT. Patients in the cross group were evaluated three times: baseline, after control period of no treatment, and after HBOT. The following HBOT protocol was practiced: 40 sessions, 5 days/week, 90 minutes, 100% oxygen at 2ATA.

At each time point, level of pain was evaluated by physical examination including tender point count and dolorimetry, as well as extensive evaluation of parameters relating to quality of life, presence of widespread pain, fatigue, physical and social function, and symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and somatization.

Results:

A significant reduction of all FMS symptoms such as pain (threshold and number of tender points) and fatigue was apparent following HBOT, sessions as well as significant improvement in distress symptoms. Moreover, the  quality of life and functional capability of all patients were significantly improved following HBOT sessions. No improvement in any parameter was found during the control period of patients in the cross group. 

Conclusion:

The results indicate that HBOT can lead to significant improvement in all FMS symptoms as well as significant improvement in patients’ quality of life.

References:

(1)        Schmidt-Wilcke T, Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia: from pathophysiology to therapy. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2011; 7(9):518-27.

(2)        Buskila D. Developments in the scientific and clinical understanding of fibromyalgia. Arthritis Res Ther 2009; 11(5):242.

(3)        Efrati S, Fishlev G, Bechor Y, Volkov O, Bergan J, Kliakhandler K et al. Hyperbaric oxygen induces late neuroplasticity in post stroke patients–randomized, prospective trial. PLoS One 2013; 8(1):e53716.

Disclosure:

S. Efrati,
None;

J. N. Ablin,

Pfizer Inc,

8;

Y. Bechor,
None;

S. Daphna-Tekoah,
None;

G. Fishlev,
None;

Y. Faran,
None;

J. Bergan,
None;

M. Friedman,
None;

D. Buskila,
None.

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