Background: To assess the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as an adjunct to standard treatment in early-stage oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), focusing on mouth opening, burning sensation, pain, and systemic inflammation.Methods: A randomized comparative study was conducted on early-stage OSMF patients divided into two groups. Group 1 received HBOT along with intralesional triamcinolone, hyaluronidase, and oral antioxidants. Group 2 received only the standard intralesional therapy with antioxidants. Clinical parameters—interincisal distance, burning sensation, and pain—were recorded at baseline, first, and second followup. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured pre- and post-treatment. Statistical analysis included unpaired t-tests and chisquare tests.Results: Both groups improved clinically, but Group 1 showed significantly greater reductions in burning sensation (p= 0.020), pain, and CRP levels (p= 0.033). Although intergroup differences in mouth opening were not statistically significant, Group 1 showed greater improvement over time. Fibrotic band distribution remained unchanged in both groups. No complications were reported with HBOT.Conclusion: HBOT provides enhanced symptomatic relief and anti-inflammatory effects in early-stage OSMF when used alongside conventional therapy. While it may not reverse fibrosis, its safety and noninvasive nature support its role in multimodal OSMF management.
Sah et al. (Fri,) studied this question.