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Relationship between age and susceptibility to altitude decompression sickness
Z M Sulaiman1, A A Pilmanis, R B O'Connor
1Armstrong Laboratory, Crew Technology Division, Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5104, USA.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Older individuals, particularly those over 42, show a significantly higher risk of altitude decompression sickness (DCS). This study quantifies the increased DCS susceptibility with advancing age.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Decompression sickness (DCS) susceptibility is multifactorial, with age being a potential but inconsistently reported influence.
- Previous research on age and DCS risk has yielded conflicting findings, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To resolve conflicting data regarding the impact of age on DCS susceptibility.
- To quantitatively assess how age affects an individual's risk of developing DCS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1299 flight exposures from the Armstrong Laboratory DCS Hypobaric Research Database (1983-1994).
- Inclusion of subjects aged 18-45 years exposed to altitudes from 11,500 ft to 30,000 ft for 3-8 hours.
- Data categorized into seven distinct age groups to compare DCS risk.
Main Results:
- A threefold increase in DCS susceptibility was observed in individuals over 42 years compared to the 18-21 age group.
- A discernible trend of increased DCS susceptibility was noted for age groups between 26 and 41 years, though not statistically significant within this range.
- No significant change in DCS susceptibility was found among individuals aged 26-41 years.
Conclusions:
- A general trend indicates increased DCS susceptibility with advancing age.
- Individuals exceeding 42 years of age exhibit a particularly pronounced increase in DCS risk.