Hyperbaric oxygenation in complex therapy of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with concomitant anemia

Anemia occurs in approximately 30-70 % of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The most common cause of low hemoglobin level is chronic inflammation. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) reduces the chronic inflammatory process, hypoxia severity and stimulates erythropoiesis. Therefore, HBO can be considered as one of the promising methods for treating anemia of chronic inflammation. The primary objective of the study is to carry out the efficacy analysis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complex therapy using hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) for comparison results in patients with anemia and with a normal hemoglobin level. Materials and Methods. To assess the advisability of HBO in patients with RA and concomitant anemia, we analyzed indicators of RA activity and local joint inflammation in 120 patients. 30 patients were treated according to the standard scheme, 30 patients underwent one and 60 patients - five additional HBO sessions (1.3 atm during 40 min). Patients who underwent HBO were divided into two subgroups with normal and low hemoglobin levels. Results. On the 14th day of inpatient hospitalization, we fixed decrease in RA activity indices in all groups. The decrease in the activity of RA and local joint inflammation in patients who underwent HBO was faster than in patients who were treated according to the standard scheme, and in patients who underwent only one HBO session. Better results were observed in patients with concomitant anemia compared with patients with normal hemoglobin level. It was confirmed by a significant decrease in acute-phase blood values (ESR and CRP) and RA activity indices (assessment of disease activity (by a doctor and by a patient), CDIA, SDIA and DAS28). Conclusion. Additional HBO in complex RA therapy contributes to the efficacy of inpatient treatment. The most pronounced effect is observed in patients with both RA and anemia.