Current status and prospects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for children with autism
YANG Yan
HU Min-gyi
WANG Chengling
TAN Jiewen
Abstract：Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder with onset in child-hood,characterized by persistent social communication deficits and restricted,repetitive patterns of behavior.In recent years,its global prevalence has shown a continuous upward trend.However,there remains a lack of effective treatments capable of improving brain function in ASD.This article systematically reviews the mechanisms,clinical efficacy,and safety of HBOT in ASD,while exploring its potential therapeutic value.Research indicates that HBOT exerts its effects through the following mechanisms:enhancing plasma oxygen saturation,thereby improving oxygen supply to ischemic brain regions;inhibiting microglial activation,reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels;modulating gut microbiota homeostasis,restoring brain-gut axis dysfunction.Clinical studies demonstrate that when HBOT is combined with Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA),it significantly reduces behavioral scale scores in children with ASD while improving their social interaction,self-care abilities,and verbal communication.Additionally,HBOT positively regulates oxidative stress markers and enhances perfusion in specific brain regions.Regarding safety,strict adherence to operational protocols minimizes the risk of adverse effects(e.g.,baro-trauma).This review provides evidence-based support for the standardized application of HBOT in ASD.Future re-search should focus on optimizing treatment protocols(e.g.,pressure and oxygen concentration parameters)and evaluating long-term efficacy.
Keywords：hyperbaric oxygenautism spectrum disorderoxygen saturationinflammation
Publication Date：2025-09-25
Online Publishing Date：2025-09-30(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 2820-2827 )