What Researchers Did
This review article summarized the established treatments and potential future therapies for gas bubble diseases like decompression illness and iatrogenic gas embolism.
What They Found
Researchers found that therapeutic recompression with oxygen is the primary treatment for gas bubble diseases, and should be initiated promptly, though it can still be effective after several days' delay. They noted that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is generally safe, non-toxic, and can be used even in neonates. Additionally, various pharmacologic agents were identified as potential helpful additions to recompression therapy, but require further study.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing decompression illness or iatrogenic gas embolism, this study reinforces that prompt recompression with oxygen, which includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is the standard and most effective treatment. It also highlights the importance of continued treatment until symptoms improve or stabilize, and the role of proper hydration in recovery.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism, both of which are Health Canada-recognized indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a review article from 1999, this study primarily summarizes existing knowledge and does not present new experimental data or specific HBOT protocols, and some information may be outdated.