Decompression and Decompression Sickness

Abstract

The ever-present desire of humankind to explore new limits introduced us to the syndrome of decompression sickness (DCS). This broad overview of DCS is aimed at its pathophysiology and basics of therapeutic strategies. After a brief explanation of decompression theory, historical vignettes will serve to inform the practical application of our increasing understanding of DCS risks. The pathophysiology, current practices, role of bubble monitoring, risk factors, and potential long-term effects of DCS are also discussed. The goal is to explain the current state of DCS understanding in the context of a robust observational and empirical history. However, DCS remains a syndrome consisting of a constellation of symptoms following a change in ambient pressure. Though great strides have been made, significant knowledge gaps remain. If the coming years advance the field even a fraction of what its predecessors accomplished, the health and safety of those who endeavor in the environment of changing pressures most certainly will be improved.

Brain oxygenation with a non‐vasoactive perfluorocarbon emulsion in a rat model of traumatic brain injury

“…Specifically, in a model of spinal cord contusion, Oxycyte was shown to increase tissue oxygenation, to have neuroprotective properties, and to reduce apoptotic cell death . In addition, Oxycyte may also be a promising treatment for decompression sickness, which is believed to be associated with the formation of gas bubbles during depressurization that lead to arterial embolization with various symptoms including, neurological manifestations and spinal cord injury . Treatment with Oxycyte in swine models of decompression sickness improved survival and reduced tissue injury .…”

“…57 In addition, Oxycyte may also be a promising treatment for decompression sickness, which is believed to be associated with the formation of gas bubbles during depressurization that lead to arterial embolization with various symptoms including, neurological manifestations and spinal cord injury. 58,59 Treatment with Oxycyte in swine models of decompression sickness improved survival and reduced tissue injury. 60,61 Specifically, IV injection of Oxycyte was found to significantly reduce spinal cord lesion size after severe experimental decompression sickness presumably due to improvement in oxygen transport under low intravascular flow conditions.…”

Human Disturbances Might Cause Dangerous Gas Bubbles to Form in Deep-Diving Whales

“…Bubbles can also form inside diving whales and cause a problem known as decompression sickness [1]. In both the soda bottle and the diving whales, the bubbles form from gas that has dissolved because of the increasing pressure; as the soda bottle is opened and as the whale returns to the surface to breathe, the pressure decreases, which causes the bubbles to form.…”

Caisson disease in Thailand: Death rate

“…It is an important form of decompression illness that requires proper therapeutic management [1,2]. The problem can be sporadically seen in any coastal country.…”