Efficacy of ozone therapy as a complementary treatment in chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Background. Chronic hepatitis B is a severe liver infection with potential progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Medical ozone therapy is being investigated as a complementary treatment due to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects and its ability to reduce viral replication. Objective(s). The aim of this paper is to analyze the efficacy of ozone therapy as a complementary treatment in chronic hepatitis B, through critical interpretation of current scientific data. Materials and methods. A randomized clinical study published in the PubMed database was analyzed, including 42 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B. They were randomly divided into two groups: one received standard antiviral therapy, while the other received standard therapy combined with medical ozone therapy, administered for 8 weeks. Results. After 8 weeks of treatment, significant improvements in liver function were observed in both groups. In the ozone therapy group, 10% of patients achieved complete response and 35% partial response, compared to 4.6% and 13.6% in the control group (p < 0.05). The data demonstrate superior therapeutic efficacy in the group receiving ozone therapy, with both clinical and biochemical improvement. The therapy helped normalize hepatic enzyme levels, reduce inflammatory activity, and enhance the immune response. It was well tolerated, with no significant adverse effects, and contributed to faster liver recovery and better overall functional status. Conclusion(s). Ozone therapy, used as a complementary treatment in chronic hepatitis B, proved effective in improving liver function, overall condition, and inflammatory markers. Its good tolerability, absence of adverse effects, and positive impact on quality of life support its clinical usefulness.