Original Title: Place de l’oxygénothérapie hyperbare dans la prise en charge de la paralysie cérébrale

Authors' objectives: This report deals only with the place of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of cerebral palsy.

Authors' recommendations: After the current assessment AETMIS makes the following conclusions: 1. the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of cerebral palsy has thus far not been scientifically demonstrated, and uncertainty persists; 2. given this lack of scientific demonstration, the procedure must remain experimental for the time being; 3. the outcomes of the Quebec study published in 2001 indicate, however, that hyperbaric oxygen therapy among children with CP is possibly associated with signifi cant improvements in motor function, neuropsychological functions, language and speech, and functional performance; 4. other well-designed controlled studies must be conducted, in addition to the U.S. studies already underway, to supply a defi nitive answer to the question of the effi cacy of HBOT for the treatment of CP. It is therefore recommended that: to dispel uncertainty, 1. the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of cerebral palsy should be the subject of a new research study in Quebec to be funded as a joint Canadian or international project; 2. granting agencies should encourage and pursue rigorous studies on the epidemiology of cerebral palsy, as well as on the needs of children with CP and on issues related to their care, in conjunction with key stakeholders and representatives of these children's parents; 3. the U.S. and international studies in progress should be closely monitored, and their outcomes and implications should be rigorously assessed; to optimize safety, 1. the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the medical management of cerebral palsy should be limited to formal research projects; 2. physicians treating children with cerebral palsy should inform parents wishing to use HBOT of the unrecognized status of this treatment and of the means to be taken to minimize its risks.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.inesss.qc.ca/publications/repertoire-des-publications/publication/place-de-loxygenotherapie-hyperbare-dans-la-prise-en-charge-de-la-paralysie-cerebrale.html

Year Published: 2007

URL for published report: https://www.inesss.qc.ca/publications/repertoire-des-publications/publication/place-de-loxygenotherapie-hyperbare-dans-la-prise-en-charge-de-la-paralysie-cerebrale.html

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Other

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Agence d'évaluation des technologies et des modes d'intervention en santé

Contact Address: 2021, avenue Union, Bureau 10.083,Montreal, Quebec H3A S29, Canada.Tel: +1 514 873 2563; Fax: +1 514 873 1369

Contact Name: demande@inesss.qc.ca

Contact Email: demande@inesss.qc.ca

Copyright: Agence d'Evaluation des Technologies et des Modes d'Intervention en Sante (AETMIS)