What Researchers Did
Researchers presented two case studies of US military personnel who developed severe decompression sickness during high-altitude flights and were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What They Found
Both US Air Force personnel, a pilot and a navigator, experienced Type II altitude-related decompression sickness after exposure to high altitudes, likely above 25,000 ft. They were successfully treated using a US Navy Oxygen Treatment Table 6, a specific hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study reinforces that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can effectively treat severe decompression sickness (DCS), a condition recognized by Health Canada. Canadian patients who experience DCS, including those from aviation or diving incidents, may find relief and recovery through similar HBOT protocols.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a case report, this study's findings are based on only two individuals and may not apply to all patients with altitude decompression sickness.