Ekrem YILMAZ, Cemal ÇEVİK
Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine - 2026;9(3):774-779
Aims: This study evaluated adverse events reported during and after major ozone autohemotherapy (MAHT), treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction, with particular emphasis on difficult venous access (DVA) in relation to adherence. Methods: This single-center, non-interventional, retrospective descriptive survey study included 240 patients aged >=18 years who underwent MAHT between January 2024 and November 2025. Approximately 100 ml of venous blood was used per session. Ozone concentration ranged from 15 to 35 µg/ml, and sessions were scheduled twice weekly. Results: Mean age was 53.1+/-12.4 years, and 68.8% of participants were female. The completion rate of planned sessions was 65.0% (156/240). Adverse events during treatment occurred in 11.3% of patients (27/240; 95% CI 7.8-15.9), and 88.9% were related to venous access or procedural factors. DVA was observed in 7.1% of the total sample (17/240) and in 63.0% of those reporting procedural adverse effects (17/27). Age >=60 years was associated with higher odds of DVA (OR=3.79; 95% CI 1.38-10.41). Post-treatment adverse effects occurred in 3.8% of patients (9/240; 95% CI 2.0-7.0). Procedural adverse events were associated with treatment non-completion (RR=2.63; p<0.001), while DVA showed a stronger association (RR=2.85; p<0.001). Overall satisfaction was 88.4%. Conclusion: MAHT was associated with a low rate of post-treatment adverse effects and high patient satisfaction. Most adverse events were procedure-related and were associated with treatment non-completion. The observed association of DVA with older age and treatment discontinuation suggests that venous access could be a factor influencing treatment adherence during MAHT.
