Effect of ozone therapy on metabolic and biochemical parameters in patients over 65 years of age

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in biochemical parameters and geriatric assessment scale scores used to detect five geriatric syndromes including sarcopenia, frailty, malnutrition, quality of life and sleep problems in patients aged 65 years and older after ozone therapy. Materials and Methods: The study included 10 patients aged 65 years and over who applied to Karadeniz Technical University Farabi Hospital Ozone Therapy Unit between May 2023 and December 2023. The control group consisted of 12 patients selected among the patients admitted to the geriatrics outpatient clinic. After written and verbal informed consent was obtained, demographic data, medical history and medication use were recorded. Hemogram and biochemical blood tests were performed before and after ozone therapy application. Before applying ozone therapy and after a total of 12 sessions of ozone therapy for six weeks, patients were evaluated in terms of sarcopenia, frailty, malnutrition, quality of life and sleep problems. Sarcopenia was evaluated by hand grip strength, 4 meter walking speed, 5 repetition sit and stand test and body composition analysis by BIA. Frailty was assessed with the FRAIL frailty questionnaire and the simplified modified Fried frailty scale. NRS-2002, MNA-SF, MNA and GLIM criteria were used for malnutrition assessment. Quality of life was assessed with SF-36 quality of life scale short form. Sleep problems were evaluated with Epworth daytime sleepiness scale. Results: Data from a total of 22 patients were examined in the study. Median age was 71. There was no statistical difference in SARC-F score, 5 repetition sit and stand test, 4 meter walking speed, FRAIL frailty questionnaire score, simplified modified Fried frailty scale score, NRS-2002 score, MNA-SF and MNA scores, GLIM criteria evaluation, Epworth daytime sleepiness scale scores after ozone therapy application. A statistically significant decrease was detected in the median BMI values of patients who received ozone therapy (p = 0.009). In body composition analysis measurements with BIA, a statistically significant decrease was detected in fat free mass (p = 0.009), skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.009), and fat mass (p = 0.008) after ozone therapy. Conclusion: Detection and treatment of geriatric syndromes in elderly patients are extremely important in preventing negative outcomes. More comprehensive studies are needed to evaluate the effect of ozone therapy on geriatric syndromes. Keywords: Ozone therapy, sarcopenia, frailty, malnutrition