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A comparative evaluation of two decompression procedures for technical diving using inflammatory responses:
Enzo Spisni1, Claudio Marabotti2,3, Luigia De Fazio4
1Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Translational Physiology and Nutrition Unit, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy, enzo.spisni@unibo.it.
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
|March 31, 2017
Summary
Technical divers using the ratio decompression strategy (RDS) experienced increased inflammatory markers post-dive compared to the compartmental decompression model (CDM). RDS did not reduce bubbles but heightened inflammatory chemokines linked to vascular damage.
Area of Science:
- Diving Medicine
- Physiology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Technical diving involves complex decompression procedures to mitigate risks like decompression sickness.
- Inflammatory responses post-dive are increasingly recognized as significant physiological effects.
- Comparing different decompression algorithms is crucial for diver safety and understanding physiological impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the physiological effects of two technical diving decompression strategies: compartmental decompression model (CDM) and ratio decompression strategy (RDS).
- To analyze changes in circulating inflammatory profiles and venous gas emboli following different decompression protocols.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-one technical divers performed a trimix dive (50 msw, 25 min), followed by EAN50/O2 decompression using either CDM (n=23) or RDS (n=28).
- Peripheral blood samples were collected pre- and post-dive to measure inflammatory markers (chemokines CCL2, CCL5).
- Venous gas emboli were assessed via echocardiography; control groups (recreational divers, swimmers) were included.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in venous gas emboli was observed between CDM and RDS groups.
- Divers using RDS showed significantly increased levels of inflammatory chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 post-dive compared to the CDM group.
- The air scuba control group also exhibited increased CCL2 and CCL5 levels post-dive.
Conclusions:
- The ratio decompression strategy (RDS) offers no bubble reduction benefit over the compartmental decompression model (CDM) in this study.
- RDS is associated with an increased post-dive secretion of inflammatory chemokines, potentially contributing to vascular damage.
- CDM appears to be a safer decompression strategy regarding inflammatory responses in technical diving.