Relationship between age and susceptibility to altitude decompression sickness

Susceptibility to altitude decompression sickness (DCS) is influenced by a multitude of factors including, potentially, an individual's age. Previous attempts by authors to determine the effect of age on DCS susceptibility have produced conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to try to clarify that conflict and to quantify the impact of age on DCS risk.

We examined the Armstrong Laboratory DCS Hypobaric Research Database containing data on 1299 subject flight exposures conducted from 1983-94. Subjects were from 18-45 yr of age. Exposure altitudes ranged from 11,500 ft (3505 m) to 30,000 ft (9144 m). The duration of exposure varied from 3-8 h and preoxygenation time ranged from 0-2 h and 15 min. Data were compiled according to seven age groups.

The results show a significant three-fold increase in susceptibility between the age group 18-21 and the group > 42 yr of age. The results also show a trend toward increased susceptibility between the 18-21 group and the groups between 26 and 41 yr of age. However, there was no significant change within the range of 26-41 yr.

There is a trend toward increased DCS susceptibility with increasing age, with a particularly strong trend for individuals over 42 yr of age.