Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Refractory Crohn's Disease: An Observational Study.

Background And Aims: Patients may experience complications of Crohn's disease (CD) even when treated with optimal medical therapy strategies. Previous data have shown the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the management of complicated CD. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal number of sessions or duration of treatment regimens.

Crohn's disease and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Purpose: Evaluate the application of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) refractory to pharmacologic therapy, who developed abdominal, anorectal or skin complications.

Methods: Fourteen selected patients with refractory CD and treated at the School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (FMRP-USP) and at the Center of Hyperbaric Medicine, São Paulo Hospital (CEMEHI) were submitted to HBO.

Results: Of the 14 patients evaluated, 11 had a satisfactory response.