Could pressurized oxygen ease sickle cell pain?

NCT ID NCT03412045

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Nebraska Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tested whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy — breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber — could reduce pain and hospital stays for adults having a sickle cell pain crisis. Eight adults with uncomplicated crises received 1 to 3 sessions. Researchers measured pain changes before and after each session and tracked how long participants stayed in the hospital.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (device)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to ease pain during sickle cell crises and shorten hospital stays.
What could go wrong: This was a very small study with only 8 participants and no control group, so results may not be reliable or apply to others. The therapy also requires special equipment and is not widely available.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

sickle cell disease Vaso-Occlusive Crises

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA CRISIS VASO-OCCLUSIVE CRISIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Unversity of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, Nebraska, 68198, United States

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