ABSTRACT

Zamora FV, de Farias Santos ACF, Zamora AV, Galvao LKCS, Santos Pimenta N, Salles JPCEA, Carneiro VB, Starling CEF. Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Long-COVID syndrome: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence on Cognitive Decline. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2025 Third Quarter; 52(3):327-335.

Introduction: There is no established specific treatment for long-COVID syndrome (LCS), yet hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment has been studied as a potential option. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the benefits of HBO2 treatment in LCS patients.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases until April 2024. Risk of bias and GRADE quality assessment were evaluated. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with ID CRD42024530421.

Results: Seven studies from seven countries, divided into RCTs and observational studies, included 199 participants. HBO2 treatment protocols included breathing 100% oxygen at 2.0 ATA until 2.5 ATA; the number of sessions varied from ten to 60 depending on the patient's comorbidities and symptoms. Memory, executive function, attention, fatigue, and pain level improved with HBO2 treatment. The intervention had minimal side effects, and none were serious.

Conclusion: HBO2 treatment might be a potential option and safe treatment in LCS patients. However, further research should be focused on evaluating its efficacy in a larger number of patients through randomized studies.

Keywords: HBO2; post-COVID; long COVID.