What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated the effects of short-term hyperbaric exposures using either air or trimix breathing mixtures on platelet and fibrinolysis activation in 30 male divers.
What They Found
The mean platelet count, factor XII, and fibrinogen concentrations significantly decreased after decompression only in the group breathing air. While CD62P positive platelets, platelet-derived microparticles, and plasmin-antiplasmin complex significantly increased in both groups, CD61 positive platelets increased significantly only in the air group. Trimix exposure prevented the reduction of platelet count, fibrinogen, and factor XII observed with air.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Divers undergoing short-term hyperbaric exposures may experience less platelet and fibrinolysis activation when using trimix compared to air. This could potentially reduce the risk of adverse hematological changes associated with decompression sickness for divers.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada nor involved Canadian participants or institutions.
Study Limitations
The study's findings are limited by its relatively small sample size of 30 male divers and the focus on short-term hyperbaric exposures.