A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study on the Clinical Effects of Hyperbaric Therapy in Autistic Children
Description:
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder currently affecting as many as 1 out of 166 children
in the United States. Autism is considered by many to be a permanent, static condition with
little hope for improvement. Treatment for autism is centered on special schooling and
behavioral therapy; medical science currently has little to offer. Recent research has
discovered that some autistic individuals have decreased cerebral perfusion, evidence of
gastrointestinal and neuro-inflammation, increased markers of oxidative stress, and a
relative mitochondrial dysfunction. Multiple independent single photon emission computed
tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) research studies have revealed
hypoperfusion to several areas of the autistic brain, most notably the temporal regions and
areas specifically related to language comprehension and auditory processing. Several studies
show that diminished blood flow to these areas correlates with many of the clinical features
associated with autism including repetitive, self-stimulatory and stereotypical behaviors,
and impairments in communication, sensory perception, and social interaction. Hyperbaric
oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used with clinical success in several cerebral hypoperfusion
syndromes including cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, closed head injury, and stroke.
HBOT can compensate for decreased blood flow by increasing the oxygen content of plasma and
body tissues and can even normalize oxygen levels in ischemic tissue. In addition, animal
studies have shown that HBOT has potent anti-inflammatory effects and reduces oxidative
stress. Furthermore, recent evidence demonstrates that HBOT increases the production of
mitochondria and mobilizes stem cells from human bone marrow, which may aid recovery in
neurodegenerative diseases. Based upon these findings, it is hypothesized that HBOT will
improve symptoms in autistic individuals.
Our recent retrospective case series demonstrated that HBOT may improve symptoms in autistic
children. We recently completed a prospective pilot trial using HBOT in 18 children which
demonstrated statistically significant clinical improvements in autistic children on several
standardized scales. Most of the scales were parent-rated, although some were rated by
teachers. However, parents were not blinded to the fact that their children received HBOT and
evaluation of the children was through parent-rated scales, either of which could lead to
bias. There was no placebo or control group. Therefore, the improvements found in this
prospective study could have been due merely to chance or the natural development of the
children. To determine if HBOT improves symptoms in autistic children, a double-blind
controlled study is indicated.
Condition:
Autism
Treatment:
Hyperbaric Therapy
Start Date:
June 2006
Sponsor:
International Hyperbarics Association
For More Information:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00335790