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Fetal development: effects of decompression sickness and treatment
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|November 1, 1983
Summary
Pregnant hamsters exposed to compressed air diving experienced negative effects on fetal development. Even without developing decompression sickness (DCS), dives caused smaller fetuses, indicating diving is detrimental to fetal health.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Diving Physiology
- Developmental Toxicology
Background:
- Decompression sickness (DCS) in pregnant mammals poses risks.
- Previous studies indicated maternal DCS can cause teratogenic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of compressed air diving on fetal development in hamsters.
- To determine if DCS or the dive itself impacts fetal growth.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant hamsters were exposed to 7.1 ATA (200 fsw) compressed air for 40 minutes.
- Three groups were compared: developed DCS, did not develop DCS, and a control group.
- Fetal size at term was assessed.
Main Results:
- Untreated maternal DCS led to severe teratogenic effects.
- Fetuses from dams without DCS were significantly smaller than controls.
- Fetuses from DCS-treated dams did not differ from controls.
Conclusions:
- Untreated decompression sickness (DCS) causes severe teratogenic effects in hamster fetuses.
- Compressed air diving, even without DCS, negatively impacts fetal growth.
- Treatment for DCS mitigates adverse fetal outcomes, but the dive itself may be harmful.