Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: a Randomised Controlled Trial

The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct in the management of severe complex regional pain syndrome.

Randomised controlled trial (RCT) with delayed start of therapy (delayed-start / wait-list). The intervention (early) group initiates therapy immediately after baseline (T0). The control (delayed) group initiates therapy only after the first follow-up (T1). The primary inter-group comparison is planned at time T1 (4-6 weeks after T0). In addition, for the delayed group, the post-treatment evaluation of T2 (4-6 weeks after T1) is supportive of the effect.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosis of CRPS Type I (without nerve injury)

Exclusion Criteria:

• HBOT contraindications (pregnancy; use of bleomycin, cisplatin, disulfiram, and doxorubicin; middle ear surgery; untreated pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum; ongoing acute infection; severe decompensation of organ functions or organ failure, severe claustrophobia)
• Inability to sign the consent form