What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 437 cases of decompression illness (DCI) in divers treated with recompression therapy in Malta between 1987 and 2017.
What They Found
They identified 437 distinct DCI cases managed with recompression therapy over the 30-year period. While the prevalence of musculo-skeletal DCI decreased, the prevalence of vestibulo-cochlear DCI significantly increased during this time.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian divers should be aware of the potential for vestibulo-cochlear DCI, especially if engaging in diving practices similar to those evolving in Malta. Healthcare providers treating divers in Canada should consider this trend when diagnosing and managing DCI cases.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it focuses on data from Malta.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective analysis, the study is limited by its reliance on existing medical records and cannot definitively establish the causes for the observed changes in DCI prevalence.