Authors: Fahlman, Andreas; Dromsky, David M.

Source: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Volume 77, Number 2, February 2006 , pp. 102-106(5)

Publisher: Aerospace Medical Association

Abstract:

Fahlman A, Dromsky DM. Dehydration effects on the risk of severe decompression sickness in a swine model. Aviat Space Environ Med 2006; 77:102–6.

Background: Several physiological factors have been suspected of affecting the risk of decompression sickness (DCS), but few have been thoroughly studied during controlled conditions. Dehydration is a potential factor that could increase the risk of DCS. It has been suggested that hydration may enhance inert gas removal or increase surface tension of the blood. Hypothesis: Dehydration increases DCS risk. Methods: Littermate pairs of male Yorkshire swine (n = 57, mean ± 1 SD 20.6 ± 1.7 kg) were randomized into two groups. The hydrated group received no medication and was allowed ad lib access to water during a simulated saturation dive. The dehydrated group received intravenous 2 mg · kg⁻¹ Lasix (a diuretic medication) without access to water throughout the dive. Animals were then compressed on air to 110 ft of seawater (fsw, 4.33 ATA) for 22 h and brought directly to the surface at a rate of 30 fsw · min⁻¹ (0.91 ATA · min⁻¹). Outcomes of death and non-fatal central nervous system (CNS) or cardiopulmonary DCS were recorded. Results: In the hydrated group (n = 31): DCS = 10, cardiopulmonary DCS = 9, CNS DCS = 2, Death = 4. In the dehydrated group (n = 26): DCS = 19, cardiopulmonary DCS = 19, CNS DCS = 6, Death = 9. Dehydration significantly increased the overall risk of severe DCS and death. Specifically, it increased the risk of cardiopulmonary DCS, and showed a trend toward increased CNS DCS. In addition, dehydrated subjects manifested cardiopulmonary DCS sooner and showed a trend toward more rapid death (p < 0.1). Conclusion: Hydration status at the time of decompression significantly influences the incidence and time to onset of DCS in this model.

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Keywords: diving; swine; saturation diving; diuretics; hydration

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-02-01

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• The peer-reviewed monthly journal, Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine (ASEM) provides contact with physicians, life scientists, bioengineers, and medical specialists working in both basic medical research and in its clinical applications. It is the most used and cited journal in its field. ASEM is distributed to more than 80 nations.
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