What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective longitudinal study of 51 hyperbaric inside attendants (staff who accompany patients inside the chamber) at Thai hospitals, measuring lung function over an average follow-up of 9.26 years.
What They Found
Significant annual declines were found in FEV1 (22.5 mL/year), FEF25-75% (44.9 mL/s/year), and FEV1/FVC ratio (0.48%/year). Longer hours and deeper chamber pressures correlated with greater lung function decline.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This was a single-country study using Thai lung function reference values; occupational differences and equipment may affect generalizability to Canadian hyperbaric medicine facilities.