2024 June;54(2)
Diving Hyperb Med. 2024 30 June;54(2):86−91. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.86-91. PMID: 38870949.
Formulating policies and procedures for managing diving related deaths: a whole of state engagement from frontline and hospital services in Tasmania
Elizabeth J Elliott1, Karl Price1, Bernard Peters2
1 Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
2 Tasmania Police Marine and Rescue Services, Tasmania, Australia
Corresponding author: Dr Elizabeth Elliott, Royal Hobart Hospital, Liverpool St, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
ORCiD: 0009-0005-3679-621X
Keywords
Autopsy findings, Diving deaths, Diving incidents, Diving medicine, Forensic pathology
Abstract
(Elliott EJ, Price K, Peters B. Formulating policies and procedures for managing diving related deaths: a whole of state engagement from frontline and hospital services in Tasmania. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2024 30 June;54(2):86−91. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.86-91. PMID: 38870949.)
Introduction: Tasmania is a small island state off the southern edge of Australia where a comparatively high proportion of the 558,000 population partake in recreational or occupational diving. While diving is a relatively safe sport and occupation, Tasmania has a significantly higher diving death rate per head of population than other States in Australia (four times the national diving mortality rate).
Methods: Three compressed gas diving deaths occurred in seven months between 2021–2022 prompting a review of the statewide approach for the immediate response of personnel to diving-related deaths. The review engaged first responders including the Police Marine and Rescue Service, hospital-based departments including the Department of Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine, and the mortuary and coroner’s office.
Results: An aide-mémoire for all craft groups, digitalised checklists for first responders (irrespective of diving knowledge), and a single-paged algorithm to highlight inter-agency communication pathways in the event of a diving death were designed to enhance current practices and collaboration.
Conclusions: If used, these aids for managing diving related deaths should ensure that time-critical information is appropriately captured and stored to optimise information provided for the coronial investigation.
Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
Publication Type: Original article
Diving Hyperb Med. 2024 30 June;54(2):92−96. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.92-96. PMID: 38870950.
The use of hyperbaric oxygen for avascular necrosis of the femoral head and femoral condyle: a single centre’s experience over 30 years
John RB Currie1, Ian C Gawthrope1, Neil D Banham1
1 Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
Corresponding author: Dr John Currie, Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, 102-118 Murdoch Drive, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia
ORCiD: 0009-0009-0086-4953
Keywords
Bone healing; Bone necrosis; Dysbaric osteonecrosis; Hyperbaric research; Inflammation; Orthopaedics; Treatment
Abstract
(Currie JRB, Gawthrope IC, Banham ND. The use of hyperbaric oxygen for avascular necrosis of the femoral head and femoral condyle: a single centre’s experience over 30 years. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2024 30 June;54(2):92−96. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.92-96. PMID: 38870950.)
Introduction: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a rare progressive degenerative disease leading to bone and joint destruction. Patients often require surgical intervention. Femoral AVN is the most common anatomical location. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) has been shown to be effective in AVN. We present data collected from one centre over a 30-year period and compare the results with other published data.
Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients receiving HBOT for AVN at Fremantle and Fiona Stanley Hospitals since 1989 was performed. The primary outcome was radiological appearance using the Steinberg score, with secondary outcomes being subjective improvement, the need for joint replacement surgery and rates of complications.
Results: Twenty-one joints in 14 patients (14 femoral heads and seven femoral condyles) were treated with HBOT since 1989. Two patients were excluded. Within the femoral head group, nine of the 14 joints (64%) had stable or improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans post treatment and at six months (minimum); 10 joints (71%) had good outcomes subjectively, three joints required surgical intervention, and three patients developed mild aural barotrauma. Within the femoral condyle group, all five joints had stable or improved post-treatment MRI scans (four had visible improvement in oedema and/or chondral stability), four joints reported good outcomes subjectively, none of the patients required surgical intervention (follow-up > six months).
Conclusions: This single centre retrospective study observed prevention of disease progression in femoral AVN with the use of HBOT, comparable to other published studies. This adds to the body of evidence that HBOT may have a significant role in the treatment of femoral AVN.
Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
Publication Type: Original article
Diving Hyperb Med. 2024 30 June;54(2):97−104. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.97-104. PMID:38870951.
Survey comparing the treatment of central retinal artery occlusion with hyperbaric oxygen in Australia and New Zealand with the recommended guidelines as outlined by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society
William Emmerton1, Neil D Banham2, Ian C Gawthrope2
1 Department of Anaesthesia and Hyperbaric Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
2 Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
Corresponding author: Dr William Emmerton, Department of Anaesthesia and Hyperbaric Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Port Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
ORCiD: 0009-0007-0996-0728
Keywords
Blindness, sudden; Hyperbaric oxygen treatment; Hypoxia; Medical conditions and problems; Ophthalmology; Questionnaire; Vision
Abstract
(Emmerton W, Banham ND, Gawthrope IC. Survey comparing the treatment of central retinal artery occlusion with hyperbaric oxygen in Australia and New Zealand with the recommended guidelines as outlined by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2024 30 June;54(2):97−104. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.97-104. PMID: 38870951.)
Introduction: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) presents suddenly causing painless loss of vision that is often significant. Meaningful improvement in vision occurs in only 8% of patients with spontaneous reperfusion. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) is considered to be of benefit if commenced before retinal infarction occurs. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) guidelines on the management of CRAO were last amended in 2019. This survey questioned Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) hyperbaric medicine units (HMUs) about the incidence of CRAO cases referred and compared their subsequent management against the UHMS guidelines.
Methods: An anonymous survey via SurveyMonkey® was sent to all 12 ANZ HMUs that treat emergency indications, allowing for multiple choice and free text answers regarding their management of CRAO.
Results: One-hundred and forty-six cases of CRAO were treated in ANZ HMUs over the last five years. Most (101/146) cases (69%) were initially treated at a pressure of 284 kPa. This was the area of greatest difference noted in CRAO management between the UHMS guidelines and ANZ practice.
Conclusions: Few ANZ HMUs strictly followed the UHMS guidelines. We suggest a more simplified management protocol as used by the majority of ANZ HMUs.
Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
Publication Type: Original article
Diving Hyperb Med. 2024 30 June;54(2):105−109. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.105-109. PMID: 38870952.
Clinical utility of dipstick urinalysis in assessing fitness to dive in military divers, submariners, and hyperbaric personnel
Arne Melessen1, Thijs T Wingelaar1, Pieter-Jan AM van Ooij1
1 Royal Netherlands Navy Diving and Submarine Medical Center, Den Helder, the Netherlands
Corresponding author: Dr Thijs Wingelaar, Royal Netherlands Navy Diving and Submarine Medical Center, Rijkszee and Marinehaven, 1780 CA Den Helder, the Netherlands
ORCiD: 0000-0001-7740-7392
Keywords
Diving; Fitness to dive; Haematuria; Screening; Urology
Abstract
(Melessen A, Wingelaar TT, van Ooij PJAM. Clinical utility of dipstick urinalysis in assessing fitness to dive in military divers, submariners, and hyperbaric personnel. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2024 30 June;54(2):105−109. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.105-109. PMID: 38870952.)
Introduction: Routine dipstick urinalysis is part of many dive medical assessment protocols. However, this has a significant chance of producing false-positive or false-negative results in asymptomatic and healthy individuals. Studies evaluating the value of urinalysis in dive medical assessments are limited.
Methods: All results from urinalysis as part of dive medical assessments of divers, submarines, and hyperbaric personnel of the Royal Netherlands Navy from 2013 to 2023 were included in this study. Additionally, any information regarding additional testing, referral, or test results concerning the aforementioned was collected.
Results: There were 5,899 assessments, resulting in 46 (0.8%) positive dipstick urinalysis results, predominantly microscopic haematuria. Females were significantly overrepresented, and revisions resulted in significantly more positive test results than initial assessments. Lastly, almost half of the cases were deemed fit to dive, while the other half were regarded as temporarily unfit. These cases required additional testing, and a urologist was consulted three times.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the most extensive study evaluating urinalysis in dive medical assessments. In our military population, the incidence of positive test results is very low, and there have not been clinically relevant results over a period of 10 years. Therefore, routinely assessing urine in asymptomatic healthy military candidates is not cost-effective or efficacious. The authors advise taking a thorough history for fitness to dive assessments and only analysing urine when a clinical indication is present.
Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
Publication Type: Original article
Diving Hyperb Med. 2024 30 June;54(2):110−119. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.110-119. PMID: 38870953.
Effects of CO2 on the occurrence of decompression sickness: review of the literature
Lucile Daubresse1, Nicolas Vallée2, Arnaud Druelle1, Olivier Castagna2, Régis Guieu3, Jean-Eric Blatteau1
1 Department of hyperbaric and diving medicine. Hôpital d’instruction des armées Sainte-Anne. Toulon armées, France
2 Resident operational underwater research team, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Toulon armées, France
3 Center for cardiovascular and nutrition research, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
Corresponding author: Professor Jean-Eric Blatteau, Department of hyperbaric and diving medicine (SMHEP). Hôpital d’instruction des armées Sainte-Anne. 83800 Toulon armées, France
Keywords
Bubbles; Carbogen; Carbon dioxide; Decompression illness; Diving; Hyperbaric; Hypercapnia; Hypobaric
Abstract
(Daubresse L, Vallée N, Druelle A, Castagna O, Guieu R, Blatteau J-E. Effects of CO2 on the occurrence of decompression sickness: review of the literature. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2024 30 June;54(2):110−119. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.110-119. PMID: 38870953.)
Introduction: Inhalation of high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) at atmospheric pressure can be toxic with dose-dependent effects on the cardiorespiratory system or the central nervous system. Exposure to both hyperbaric and hypobaric environments can result in decompression sickness (DCS). The effects of CO2 on DCS are not well documented with conflicting results. The objective was to review the literature to clarify the effects of CO2 inhalation on DCS in the context of hypobaric or hyperbaric exposure.
Methods: The systematic review included experimental animal and human studies in hyper- and hypobaric conditions evaluating the effects of CO2 on bubble formation, denitrogenation or the occurrence of DCS. The search was based on MEDLINE and PubMed articles with no language or date restrictions and also included articles from the underwater and aviation medicine literature.
Results: Out of 43 articles, only 11 articles were retained and classified according to the criteria of hypo- or hyperbaric exposure, taking into account the duration of CO2 inhalation in relation to exposure and distinguishing experimental work from studies conducted in humans.
Conclusions: Before or during a stay in hypobaric conditions, exposure to high concentrations of CO2 favors bubble formation and the occurrence of DCS. In hyperbaric conditions, high CO2 concentrations increase the occurrence of DCS when exposure occurs during the bottom phase at maximum pressure, whereas beneficial effects are observed when exposure occurs during decompression. These opposite effects depending on the timing of exposure could be related to 1) the physical properties of CO2, a highly diffusible gas that can influence bubble formation, 2) vasomotor effects (vasodilation), and 3) anti-inflammatory effects (kinase-nuclear factor and heme oxygenase-1 pathways). The use of O2-CO2 breathing mixtures on the surface after diving may be an avenue worth exploring to prevent DCS.
Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
Publication Type: Review article
Diving Hyperb Med. 2024 30 June;54(2):120−126. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.120-126. PMID: 38870954.
The role of routine cardiac investigations before hyperbaric oxygen treatment
Connor TA Brenna1,2, Marcus Salvatori1,3,4, Shawn Khan1, George Djaiani1,3,4, Simone Schiavo1,3,4, Rita Katznelson1,3,4
1 Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2 Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
3 Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
4 Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Corresponding author: Dr Rita Katznelson, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
Keywords
Cardiac complications; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Hyperbaric oxygen therapy; Risk assessment
Abstract
(Brenna CTA, Salvatori M, Khan S, Djaiani G, Schiavo S, Katznelson R. The role of routine cardiac investigations before hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2024 30 June;54(2):120−126. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.120-126. PMID: 38870954.)
Cardiac complications are a rare but potentially serious consequence of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT), resulting from increased blood pressure and decreased heart rate and cardiac output associated with treatment. These physiologic changes are generally well-tolerated by patients without preexisting cardiac conditions, although those with known or undetected cardiac disease may be more vulnerable to treatment complications. Currently, there are no universally accepted guidelines for pre-HBOT cardiac screening to identify these patients at heightened risk, leading to variability in practice patterns. In the absence of HBOT-specific evidence, screening protocols might be adapted from the diving medicine community; however, given the important differences in physiological stressors, these may not be entirely applicable to patients undergoing HBOT. Traditional cardiac investigations such as electro- and echo-cardiograms are limited in their ability to detect relevant risk modifying states in the pre-HBOT patient, stymieing their cost-effectiveness as routine tests. In the absence of strong evidence to support routine cardiac investigation, we argue that a comprehensive history and physical exam – tailored to identify high-risk patients based on clinical parameters – may serve as a more practical screening tool. While certain unique patient groups such as those undergoing dialysis or with implanted cardiac devices may warrant specialised assessment, thorough evaluation may be sufficient to identify many patients unlikely to benefit from cardiac investigation in the pre-HBOT setting. A clinical decision-making tool based on suggested low-risk and high-risk features is offered to guide the use of targeted cardiac investigation prior to HBOT.
Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
Publication Type: Review article
Diving Hyperb Med. 2024 30 June;54(2):133−136. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.133-136. PMID: 38870956.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in bilateral orchiopexy and post-circumcision haematoma in a thrombocytopenic patient with Noonan syndrome
Dilşad Dereli1, Selahattin Çakiroğlu2, Ayse Aydan Köse3, Baran Tokar1
1 Pediatric Urology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Turkey
2 Department of Underwater Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine, Eskişehir Yunusemre State Hospital, Turkey
3 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Turkey
Corresponding author: Dr Dilşad Dereli, Pediatric Urology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Turkey
Keywords
Case reports; Children; Haematology; Hyperbaric oxygenation; Injuries; Surgery
Abstract
(Dereli D, Çakiroğlu S, Köse AA, Tokar B. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in bilateral orchiopexy and post-circumcision haematoma in a thrombocytopenic patient with Noonan syndrome. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2024 30 June;54(2):133−136. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.133-136. PMID: 38870956.)
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) can be utilised for necrotising soft tissue infections, clostridial myonecrosis (gas gangrene), crush injuries, acute traumatic ischaemia, delayed wound healing, and compromised skin grafts. Our case was a 17-month-old male patient with Noonan syndrome, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and bilateral undescended testicles. Haematoma and oedema developed in the scrotum and penis the day after bilateral orchiopexy and circumcision. Ischaemic appearances were observed on the penile and scrotal skin on the second postoperative day. Enoxaparin sodium and fresh frozen plasma were started on the recommendation of haematology. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment was initiated considering the possibility of tissue necrosis. We observed rapid healing within five days. We present this case to emphasise that HBOT may be considered as an additional treatment option in patients with similar conditions. To our knowledge, no similar cases have been reported in the literature.
Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
Publication Type: Case report
Diving Hyperb Med. 2024 30 June;54(2):137−139. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.137-139. PMID: 38870957.
Drinker driver flyer diver
Gerard Laden1, Bruce Mathew1
1 Clinical Hyperbaric Facility, Hull and East Riding Hospital, Anlaby, UK
Corresponding author: Gerard Laden. Clinical Hyperbaric Facility, Hull and East Riding Hospital, Anlaby, UK
ORCID: 0009-0008-0820-8291
Keywords
Diving; Inert gas; Narcosis; Nitrogen; Scuba
Abstract
(Laden G, Mathew B. Drinker driver flyer diver. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2024 30 June;54(2):137−139. doi: 10.28920/dhm54.2.137-139. PMID: 38870957.)
Blood alcohol concentrations above defined levels are detrimental to cognitive performance. Empirical and published evidence suggest that nitrogen narcosis is analogous to alcohol intoxication with both impairing prefrontal cortex function. Nitrogen narcosis is also known to have been a factor in fatal accidents. To examine the effects of nitrogen narcosis, a recent publication used the Iowa Gambling Task tool, to simulate dynamic real-life risky decision-making behaviour. If the reported outcomes are corroborated in larger rigorously designed studies it is likely to provide further evidence that divers may well experience the negative effects of a ‘narcotic agent’, even at relatively shallow depths. These deleterious effects may occur regardless of diving experience, aptitude or professional status. In 1872, English law made it an offence to be ‘drunk’ whilst in charge of horses, carriages, cattle and steam engines. Understanding the danger was easy, establishing who is ‘drunk’ in the eyes of the court required a legal definition. Driving above a ‘legal limit’ for alcohol was made illegal in the United Kingdom in 1967. The limit was set at 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. It took just short of one hundred years to get from first introducing a restriction to specific activities, whilst under the influence of alcohol, to having a clear and well-defined enforceable law. The question surely is whether our modern society will tolerate another century before legally defining safe parameters for nitrogen narcosis?
Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
Publication Type: World as it is