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Hematological changes following repetitive decompressions during simulated extravehicular activity
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|January 1, 1986
Summary
This study shows that a 3-day decompression schedule for space missions causes minor blood changes. Certain blood markers may predict susceptibility to venous gas emboli (VGE) during decompression.
Area of Science:
- Space medicine
- Hematology
- Physiology
Background:
- Pre-flight decompression protocols are crucial for astronaut safety during extravehicular activity (EVA).
- Understanding hematological responses to decompression is vital for mitigating risks like venous gas emboli (VGE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hematological changes following a staged decompression protocol simulating space mission EVA.
- To identify potential biomarkers for predicting susceptibility to VGE formation during decompression.
Main Methods:
- 12 male subjects underwent a 3-day staged decompression in an altitude chamber.
- Hematological parameters were measured pre- and post-decompression.
- Platelet aggregation and lymphocyte blastogenic transformation were assessed in relation to VGE susceptibility.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in white blood cell count and activated partial thromboplastin time were observed post-decompression.
- Platelet aggregate ratio significantly decreased after decompression.
- Pre-decompression, VGE-susceptible subjects showed lower ADP-induced platelet aggregation and higher lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin compared to VGE-resistant subjects.
Conclusions:
- The studied decompression profile induces subtle but significant hematological alterations.
- Specific pre-exposure hematological parameters may indicate an individual's susceptibility to VGE formation.
- Findings suggest potential for pre-flight screening of astronaut VGE susceptibility based on hematological markers.