What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated how hyperbaric exposure and decompression affect the main components of the fibrinolytic system in two groups of 25 male divers each, exposed to either 400 kPa or 700 kPa pressure.
What They Found
Among the 50 male divers, no cases of decompression sickness or detectable gas bubbles were observed. The study found elevated concentrations of PAP, decreased concentrations of alpha2-antiplasmin, and reduced PAI-1 concentration and activity after hyperbaric exposure and decompression. There were no significant changes in factor XIIa activity or t-PA concentration and activity.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that hyperbaric exposure and decompression, even without causing decompression sickness, can activate the body's fibrinolytic system, which is involved in blood clot breakdown. For Canadian divers, this physiological change, particularly the decrease in PAI-1 and alpha2-antiplasmin, could potentially influence their bleeding risk. Further research is needed to fully understand the clinical importance of these changes for diver safety and medical assessments.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers Decompression Sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
The study did not directly estimate the clinical importance of the observed fibrinolytic activation as a possible risk factor for bleeding in divers.