Scuba diving is possible and safe for patients with haemophilia

Abstract

For a long time, physical activities have been contraindicated in haemophiliacs or were restricted to few activities. Sports are nowadays advocated for haemophiliacs. Although various lists of physical activities have been proposed, scuba diving is never mentioned. Thus, with a group of haemophilic volunteers, a study was launched on whether, with strict medical follow-up, scuba diving could be allowed for patients with haemophilia. All the participants followed a training program including theory and assessment. In 6 years, a total of 517 dives were performed by 20 patients with congenital bleeding disorders. Nine were under prophylaxis for haemophilia, and nine received on-demand treatment. Two patients had type I von Willebrand's disease. Among the 20 patients, 12 made 12-153 dives, whereas six made eight dives each. No incident was noted during or after the dives. Thus, scuba diving can be authorized for PWH, if they have none of the specific medical contraindications for diving and if they have received medical training allowing them to manage their disease themselves.

The evolution of physiotherapy in the multidisciplinary management of persons with haemophilia (PWH): A scoping review

“…We identified 16 articles dealing with the performance of sports by PWH supervised by a physiotherapist. 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 In 1996, Buzzard 69 published for the first time a review dealing with sport in PWH. The review highlighted the need for PWH to start physical activity as soon as possible, encouraging them to continue it regularly.…”

“…49,67 But among the water sports there is not only swimming. In 2012, Schved et al 74 showed that PWH performed a scuba-diving programme without complications or adverse events.…”

Scuba diving by patients with haemophilia: a few notes of precaution

“…Schved et al recently published safety data from their 6-year experience with scuba diving by patients with haemophilia in your journal [1]. The success of their programme that included 190 haemophilic divers, demonstrates that haemophilia patients were keen to participate in this sport even though it has so far been discouraged by the World Federation for Haemophilia.…”

“…The Letter to the Editor entitled ÔA few notes of precautionÕ does not bring original clinical or experimental data against our clinical study, but highlights three elements that should be taken into consideration in the evaluation of scuba diving safety in patients with haemophilia (PWH) [1]. Some old, poorly documented case reports are mentioned.…”

Answer to ‘a few notes of precaution’

“…The Letter to the Editor entitled ‘A few notes of precaution’ does not bring original clinical or experimental data against our clinical study, but highlights three elements that should be taken into consideration in the evaluation of scuba diving safety in patients with haemophilia (PWH) [1].…”