This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a neuroprotective strategy for improving neurological outcomes in pediatric patients who have sustained acquired brain injury.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that delivers high-concentration oxygen in a pressurized chamber. It was developed initially from diving physiology research and popularized by Dutch surgeon Boerema for its life-sustaining plasma oxygen diffusion under hyperbaric conditions. The fundamental mechanism of HBOT operates through Henry's Law, enabling unprecedented increases in tissue oxygen partial pressures that surpass levels achievable in normal atmospheric conditions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
120
Patients received hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) using a monochamber hyperbaric chamber in addition to conventional rehabilitation.
Patients received conventional rehabilitation alone.
Kafrelsheikh University
Kafr ash Shaykh, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
Communication Function Classification System
The Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) was implemented to assess cognitive and speech capabilities across five levels of communicative competence. * Level I: Effective bidirectional communication (no need for external aids). * Level II: Consistent communication with familiar partners, occasional need for aids. * Level III: Communication requires significant effort and aids with familiar partners. * Level IV: Minimal communication, even with familiar partners. * Level V: No effective communication.
Time frame: Eight months post-intervention
Nutritional intake functionality
Nutritional intake functionality was evaluated utilizing the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). This seven-point scale was structured to differentiate between tube-dependent nutrition and total oral intake capabilities. * Level 1: Tube-dependent, no oral intake. * Level 2: Tube-dependent, minimal oral intake (e.g., ice chips). * Level 3: Tube-dependent, inconsistent oral intake of pureed foods. * Level 4: Oral intake of pureed foods only. * Level 5: Oral intake of soft foods. * Level 6: Oral intake of regular diet with modifications. * Level 7: Unrestricted oral intake (regular diet).
Time frame: Eight months post-intervention
Visual function assessment
Visual function assessment was conducted through visual evoked potential testing, providing objective measurements of visual pathway integrity. Neurodevelopmental status was comprehensively evaluated using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS). The GMDS yielded both subscale scores and an overall General Quotient (GQ). * ≥90: Normal development. * 80-89: Mild disability. * 70-79: Moderate disability. * \<70: Severe disability.
Time frame: Eight months post-intervention
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