What Researchers Did
Researchers analyzed twenty years of treatment records for serious decompression sickness (DCS) cases to compare the efficacy of various treatment tables.
What They Found
Spinal cord decompression sickness was the most common presentation, and oxygen tables were as effective as long air tables for cases presenting within 12 hours, proving superior for later presentations. Using RN 61 (USN 5) resulted in a high post-treatment relapse rate, and other inappropriate practices led to frequent deterioration or relapse.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients experiencing serious decompression sickness should seek prompt medical attention, as oxygen tables are effective, especially if treatment is initiated within 12 hours. It is crucial to avoid outdated or inappropriate treatment methods, such as RN 61 (USN 5) or in-water air treatment, to prevent relapse or deterioration.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada nor involved Canadian participants.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its retrospective design, relying on historical treatment records which may have inherent data inconsistencies.