HBOT for Patients With IC/FM (Interstitial Cystitis/Fibromyalgia)

Clinical and Morphological Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis Associated With Fibromyalgia

The investigators observed 12 fibromyalgia and interstitial cystitis patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen oxygen treatment in a multiplace pressure chamber for 90 minutes, 40 treatment each, using an oro-nasal mask.

The investigators structured a prospective observational pilot experimental design in consenting patients with IC and FM, with repeated subjective and urological measures conducted before and after a therapeutic protocol. The study duration was set to 3 months. Patients were exposed to breathing 100% oxygen at 2 atmospheres absolute (ATA) in a multiplace pressure chamber for 90 minutes using an oro-nasal mask. Patients undertook a cycle of 20 sessions for 5 days per week for four weeks. After one week of suspension, a second cycle of 20 sessions was completed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Presence of absence of Hunner's ulcers
• Pain in bladder that improves with urination
• pain(supra-pubic, pelvic, urethral, vaginal, or perineal)
• presence of glomerulation or bleeding +/- at the cystodistension
• reduced capacity
• increased proprioceptive sensitivity
• normal or reduced compliance
• number of tender points that establish that diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy (diagnosed or within a year)
• age less than 18 years
• benign or malignant bladder tumors
• radiation cystitis
• symptomatic bladder diversions
• herpes in active phase
• bladder and urethral stones
• urinary frequency less than 10 times a day
• presence of symptoms less than 12 months
• bladder capacity>400ml with no sensitive urgency