What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed randomized controlled trials that tested recompression treatment and add-on therapies for divers with decompression illness.
What They Found
This review found only two randomized controlled trials on the topic. In one trial of 180 divers, taking tenoxicam, an anti-inflammatory drug, alongside recompression treatment might reduce the number of recompression sessions needed, from a median of three sessions (range 1 to 8) down to two (range 1 to 6). In a second trial of 41 divers with mild decompression illness, using a shorter initial recompression treatment table could decrease the number of recompressions needed, with a median of one session compared to two.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For divers being treated for decompression illness, this review suggests that an anti-inflammatory drug or a shorter recompression protocol might reduce how many chamber sessions are needed, but this is based on just two small trials, not confirmed practice. The review does not report on other outcomes like symptom recovery or long-term effects.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
Both trials had small numbers of participants and were not fully blinded, and the review noted issues with non-protocol interventions and incomplete outcome data.