Evaluation of Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in children with Cerebral Palsy - Our experience at Armed Forces Hospital, King Abdul Aziz Naval Base, KSA

Abstract

Background: HBOT is medical treatment in which oxygen is used at an ambient pressure greater than atmospheric pressure for management of various clinical conditions in children like cerebral palsy, Bell’s palsy and cerebral stroke. Aims:: To compare the efficacy and safety of HBOT in children with cerebral palsy with controls, To make recommendation/suggestion for the staff awareness regarding HBOT and to make recommendation for establishment of HBOT facility for cerebral palsy children. Study design: A single blinded randomized controlled Trial Methods: All children with clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy were included in this study. They were divided into cases and control after randomization. Those with neurobehavioral disorders / abnormal brain MRI or chromosomal or genetic syndromes were also excluded from the study. Seven (7) cases were dropped out of the studies due to other neurological disorder (ADHD/Autism) in which role of HBOT has not been clearly defined in the literature. Settings: Deep sea medicAL unit of Armed Forces Hospital, KANB, Jubail, KSA. Study period: June 2015 to June 2016 Results: This data analysis showed 66.5% of the patients (96% in Cases) and 37% in (Controls) showed improvement in neurological development (Gross motor functions measures scale) and 63% (95% in cases and 31% in control) in activity of daily livings score (self-reliance) and46% (50% in cases and 42% in control) in parent’s satisfaction index. While 64% showed improvement in hearing (37% in cases and 91% in control) but 30% showed improvement (33% in cases and 27% in control) in speech. Safety index was 93% (94% in cases and 95% in control). Conclusion: All the children included in this study showed significant improvement in neurological outcome (Improvements were noted in Gross motor functions, activity of daily living). The improvement was less remarkable in hearing, speech and parent’s satisfaction index.