Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for severe brain injury

Hyperbaric Oxygen Brain Injury Treatment (HOBIT) Trial

Phase 2 Interventional Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute · NCT02407028

This study is testing different ways of using hyperbaric oxygen treatment to see if it can help people with severe brain injuries feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorHennepin Healthcare Research Institute Academic / other
Locations11 sites (San Diego, California and 10 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02407028 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II trial aims to identify the optimal parameters for hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study will evaluate various combinations of pressure levels and the potential enhancement of treatment effectiveness through the use of non-breathing hyperbaric (NBH) techniques. By determining the most effective HBO2 treatment parameters, the trial seeks to provide critical data for a future definitive efficacy trial. The focus is on minimizing oxygen toxicity while maximizing therapeutic benefits for patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 16 to 65 who present with severe TBI and meet specific clinical criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing neurological diseases or those who cannot receive treatment within the specified time frame may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in TBI, but this specific approach is novel and aims to refine treatment parameters.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 16 years or older and 65 years or younger
* Present with severe TBI, defined as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 3 to 8.
* Marshall computerized tomography (CT) score \>1 in patients with a GCS of 7 or 8 or patients with an alcohol level \>200 mg/dl
* Ability to initiate the first hyperbaric oxygen treatment within 8 hours of admission in patients not requiring a craniotomy/craniectomy or any other major surgical procedure OR
* Ability to initiate the first hyperbaric oxygen treatment within 14 hours of admission in patients requiring a craniotomy/craniectomy or major surgical procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* First hyperbaric oxygen treatment cannot be initiated within 24 hours of injury
* GCS of 3 with mid-position and non-reactive pupils bilaterally (4mm)
* Penetrating head injury
* Pregnant
* Pre-existing neurologic disease (e.g. TBI or stroke or neurodegenerative disorder) with confounding residual neurologic deficits
* Unstable acute spinal cord injury
* Fixed coagulopathy
* Severe hypoxia
* Cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed
* Coma suspected to de due to primarily non-TBI causes
* Any contraindications to the study intervention

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California and 10 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Traumatic Brain Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.