The effects of hyperbaric oxygen on MRI findings in rheumatoid arthritis: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating and destructive disease for which limited therapeutic options exist.

OBJECTIVE

This report summarizes serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings from nine study participants treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy and expands upon an earlier pilot study that showed improvement in disease activity and joint pain as determined by multiple, validated clinical measures.

METHODS

Rheumatoid arthritis patients received 30 hyperbaric oxygen treatments over six to 10 weeks. MRI with and without contrast was completed at baseline, and at three- and six-month intervals following initiation of HBO2 therapy. Ratings were based on Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (RAMRIS) criteria, the standard method for quantification of inflammation and damage by MRI in RA trials.

RESULTS

Using RAMRIS criteria, nine of nine patients demonstrated no radiologic progression of erosions, synovitis, or bone marrow edema at three- and six-month scans.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that HBO2 therapy may be useful as an adjunctive or alternative treatment to disease-modifying drugs for rheumatoid arthritis.