What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively reviewed records of all recompression treatments in Hawaii from 1976 to 1979 to define the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of dysbaric cerebral air embolism.
What They Found
Forty-two cases of dysbaric air embolism (DAE) were identified, accounting for 18% of patients undergoing recompression treatment for diving-related disorders during this period. Two patients died, resulting in a 5% case fatality rate, while 78% of cases achieved either complete (61%) or substantial (17%) recovery with recompression and adjunctive medical measures.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted in Hawaii, but its findings on the clinical course and outcomes of diving-related injuries are broadly relevant to divers globally.
Study Limitations
The study's retrospective design and focus on a specific geographic region and time period limit the generalizability of its findings to other populations or contemporary practices.