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Hematologic changes in man during decompression: relations to overt decompression sickness and bubble scores
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|August 1, 1976
Summary
Asymptomatic gas phase separation during deep dives can cause hematologic abnormalities, affecting platelet and white blood cell counts. White cell count changes correlated with bubble scores, indicating potential risks even without symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Hematology
- Diving Medicine
Background:
- Decompression sickness can cause gas bubbles in divers.
- The hematologic effects of asymptomatic gas phase separation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hematologic abnormalities resulting from asymptomatic gas phase separation in divers.
- To assess changes in various blood parameters after deep dives.
Main Methods:
- Two dive series were conducted: one to 210 feet of sea water (FSW) for 50 min, and another to 132 FSW for 30 min.
- Comprehensive hematologic studies were performed, including cell counts, coagulation tests, and platelet function assays.
Main Results:
- Significant changes were observed in platelet count, white blood cell count, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time.
- White blood cell count was the sole parameter that correlated with the total bubble score.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic gas phase separation can induce hematologic abnormalities.
- Monitoring white blood cell count may be valuable in assessing the impact of decompression in divers.