Authors' objectives:

This study aims determine the safety and effectiveness of ozone therapy in clinical care.

Authors' results and conclusions: Safety There are some case reports of the use of ozone resulting in air embolism, blood borne infections and bilateral visual field loss after receiving ozone therapy. Effectiveness (i) HIV and other infectious diseases There is only anedocatal evidence to support the effectiveness of ozone therapy in the treatment of HIV or other blood borne infectious diseases. The current evidence is insufficient to recommend the use of ozone in the treatment of HIV infected patients. (ii) Ischemia There is insufficient evidence showing the benefits of ozone in the treatment of limb ischemia, stroke and ischemic heart disease. (iii) Ophthalmology There was temporary improvement in three studies that patients had retinitis pigmentosa who were treated with ozone therapy. (iv) Ortholaryngology There is insufficient evidence to recommend ozone therapy in the treatment of ENT conditions. (v) Obstetric and Gynaecology The evidence showing the effectiveness of ozone therapy treatment in reducing the infection rate in caesarian section are observational studies only. Similarly, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of ozone in the treatment of puerperal diseases. The evidence is only anecdotal in nature as with regards to the use of ozone in the treatment of primary infertility. (vi) Orthopedic Disorders There are only three relevant clinical trials on these subjects, thus making it difficult to draw conclusive results. (vii) Cancer There is insufficient evidence with regards to the effectiveness and safety of ozone therapy in cancer patients. (viii) Skin disorder The evidence is only anecdotal in nature as with regards to the use of ozone in the treatment of skin conditions.

Authors' recommendations: Current data on the usage of ozone therapy as therapeutic options for various health conditions lacks sufficient safety and therapeutic advantage over available conventional therapeutic modalities. There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of ozone therapy as a form of alternative treatment in patients with haemotological disorders, autoimmune diseases, ischaemia, eye conditions, ENT, obstetric and gynaecology, orthopaedic conditions, cancer and skin disorders.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.moh.gov.my/

Year Published: 2005

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Malaysia

Organisation Name: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Unit

Contact Address: Health Technology Assessment Unit, Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Level 21, PERKIM Building, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 603 4045 7781, Fax: 603 4045 77 40

Copyright: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Unit (MHTAU)