Decompression illness treated at the Geneva hyperbaric facility 2010-2016: A retrospective analysis of local cases

The Geneva hyperbaric chamber is the main treatment centre for decompression illness (DCI) in Switzerland. The characteristics, symptomatology, treatment and short-term outcome of divers treated at this chamber have not previously been investigated.

This was a retrospective study of patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for DCI from 2010 to 2016. Data were analysed to provide a description of the cases and statistical analysis for possible factors associated with an unfavourable outcome.

One hundred and thirty-five patients were treated for DCI. Ninety-two were included in the study. Sixty-four presented with neurological and 28 with mild DCI. One hundred and thirty-five patients were treated for DCI. Ninety-two were included in the study. Sixty-four presented with neurological and 28 with mild DCI. Patients with mild DCI mainly had musculoskeletal symptoms (79%). Patients with neurological DCI mainly had spinal (55%), followed by vestibular (36%) symptoms. Arterial gas embolism was diagnosed in 30% of cases. Diving depths ranged between 15 and 142 metres, and dive times between two and 241 min. Median time to treatment was 6 h. Patients with neurological DCI had a high rate (25%) of persisting deficits after treatment. Older age was associated with an unfavourable outcome in univariate but not in multivariate analysis. No adverse effects of HBO were observed. For spinal DCI, a high Boussuges score was associated with persisting deficits after treatment.

Our findings are consistent with other series. Severe DCI was associated with a high rate of persisting deficits. No single factor was associated with a negative outcome. A Boussuges score > 7 had sensitivity of 90% and positive predictive value 53% for predicting an unfavourable outcome in spinal DCI.