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Updates in Decompression Illness.

Neal W Pollock1, Dominique Buteau2

  • 1Department of Kinesiology, Université Laval, PEPS Building, 2300 rue de la Terrasse, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada; Department of Medical Research, Divers Alert Network, 6 West colony place, Durham, NC 27705, USA; CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches (CHAU-Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis), Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Emergency Department, 143 rue Wolfe, Lévis, Quebec G6V 3Z1, Canada.

Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|April 17, 2017
PubMed
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Decompression illness (DCI), including decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism, is a rare diving risk. Definitive treatment involves hyperbaric oxygen therapy after initial first aid with high-fraction oxygen.

Area of Science:

  • Diving Medicine
  • Hyperbaric Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Decompression illness (DCI) encompasses decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism.
  • These conditions arise from compressed gas diving and pose serious health risks.
  • DCI presentation is variable, often with neurological symptoms, making diagnosis challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the understanding of decompression illness (DCI) in compressed gas diving.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges and treatment protocols for DCI.
  • To emphasize the critical role of hyperbaric oxygen in DCI management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on decompression illness (DCI).
  • Analysis of risk factors, clinical presentations, and diagnostic considerations.
Keywords:
Arterial gas embolismDecompression sicknessHigh-fraction oxygenHyperbaric

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  • Evaluation of first aid and definitive treatment strategies.

    • Main Results:

    • Risk is primarily linked to the pressure-time profile but influenced by multiple factors.
    • Neurological symptoms are common and can be diverse.
    • Physical examination is crucial due to the lack of specific diagnostic markers.

    Conclusions:

    • High-fraction oxygen breathing is recommended as first aid for suspected DCI.
    • Hyperbaric oxygen is the definitive treatment for decompression illness.
    • Accurate diagnosis requires considering a broad differential and clinical assessment.