Using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat pain in sickle cell anemia

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Sickle Cell Pain

Not applicable Interventional University of Nebraska · NCT03412045

This study is testing if hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help adults with sickle cell anemia feel less pain during a pain crisis and recover faster.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nebraska Academic / other
Locations1 site (Omaha, Nebraska)
Trial IDNCT03412045 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on patients experiencing an uncomplicated acute pain crisis due to sickle cell anemia. Participants aged 19 and older will receive 1-3 sessions of HBO therapy, each lasting approximately two hours, to assess its impact on pain levels and hospital length of stay. Pain will be evaluated using a visual analog scale before and after treatment. The goal is to determine if HBO therapy can effectively reduce pain and improve recovery times for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 19 and older who present with an uncomplicated sickle cell crisis.

Not a fit: Patients with complicated sickle cell crises or those under 19 years old may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce pain and shorten hospital stays for patients suffering from sickle cell crises.

How similar studies have performed: While some previous studies have suggested benefits of HBO therapy for sickle cell pain, results have been inconsistent and this approach remains largely untested in larger populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 19 years old or older
* Present with an uncomplicated sickle cell crisis at admission friom the emergency department

Exclusion Criteria:

* \< 19 years old
* pregnant female
* complicated sickle cell crisis present (i.e., concomitant MI, stroke, acute chest syndrome at time of presentation)

Where this trial is running

Omaha, Nebraska

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 Vaso-occlusive CrisisSickle Cell Anemia Crisis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.