What Researchers Did
This systematic review examined how effective and safe recompression therapy and other added treatments are for decompression illness (DCI).
What They Found
Researchers found only two randomised controlled trials that met their criteria, making it impossible to combine their data. In one study, adding a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to routine recompression therapy did not improve treatment effectiveness at 6 weeks (relative risk 1.04, 95% CI: 0.90-1.20, P = 0.58), but it did reduce numbness.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients who experience decompression illness, such as divers, typically receive recompression therapy. This study suggests that while adding an NSAID to standard recompression might help with symptoms like numbness, it may not improve overall recovery from DCI. Patients should always discuss their treatment options and potential adjunctive therapies with their healthcare provider.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
A major limitation is that only two randomised controlled trials met the strict inclusion criteria for this systematic review, which limits the strength of the conclusions.