Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Long-COVID syndrome: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence on Cognitive Decline
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Long-COVID syndrome: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence on Cognitive Decline
Fernanda Valeriano Zamora, M.D.1*, Ana Clara Felix de Farias Santos2, Andres Villca Zamora, M.D.3, Lorhayne Kerley Capuchinho Scalioni Galvao, M.D.3, Nicole dos Santos Pimenta4, João Pedro Costa Esteves Almuinha Salles4, Vitoria Batista Carneiro5, Prof. Dr. Carlos Ernesto Ferreira Starling3
1Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 2City University of São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; 3 Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil; 4 Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO); 5 Petrópolis Medical School (FMP).
Short title: HBO2 for LCS
Key-words: HBO2; post-COVID; long COVID.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: There is no established specific treatment for long-COVID syndrome (LCS), yet hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment has been studied as a potential option. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the benefits of HBO2 treatment in LCS patients.
Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases until April 2024. Risk of bias and GRADE quality assessment were evaluated. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with ID CRD42024530421.
Results: Seven studies from seven countries, divided into RCTs and observational studies, included 199 participants. HBO2 treatment protocols included breathing 100% oxygen at 2.0 ATA until 2.5 ATA; the number of sessions varied from ten to 60 depending on the patient's comorbidities and symptoms. Memory, executive function, attention, fatigue, and pain level improved with HBO2 treatment. The intervention had minimal side effects, and none were serious.
Discussion: HBO2 treatment might be effective and safe in LCS patients. However, further research should be focused on evaluating its efficacy in a larger number of patients through randomized studies.
Key-words: HBO2; post-COVID; long COVID.