Mollerlokken
Some evidence that the same profiles produce more venous bubbles after wet diving than dry diving.
Clinical bottom line:
|
1. Wet dives of the same profile trend to producing more detectable VGE bubbles than for dry dives. |
Citation/s:1.Møllerløkken A, Breskovic T, Palada I, Valic Z, Dujic Z, Brubakk AO. Observation of increased venous gas emboli after wet dives compared to dry dives. Diving Hyperb Med. 2011 Sep;41(3):124-8.
Lead author's name and fax: Andreas Mollerlokken
Three-part Clinical Question:For scuba divers, does a dive in a dry chamber, compared to the same profile in water, result in fewer detectable venous gas bubbles after the dive?
Search Terms: Venous gas embolism; experimental diving. decompression illness
The Study:Non-blinded randomised controlled trial with intention-to-treat.
The Study Patients: Experienced male recreational divers
Control group (N = 7; 7 analysed): Ocean dives either shallow and long (24 msw for 70 mins) or deeper and shorter (54 msw for 20 mins). Calm conditions minimal exercise. Both involved appropriate decompression stops.
Experimental group (N = 7; 7 analysed): As above for profiles but in a dry hyperbaric chamber seated quietly.
The Evidence:
Measure |
Dry dive |
Wet dive |
Difference |
95% CI | ||
Mean |
SD |
Mean |
SD | |||
|
Mean bubbles/cm-sq over 2 hours-deep dive |
0.1 |
0.3 |
2.4 |
2.6 |
2.3 |
-1.7 to 6.3 |
|
Mean bubbles/cm-sq over 2 hours- shallow dive |
0.1 |
0.3 |
1.4 |
2.0 |
1.3 |
-1.1 to 3.7 |
|
mean bubbles/cm-sq over 2 hours shallow v deep wet dives |
Shallow 1.4 |
2.0 |
Deep 2.4 |
2.6 |
1.0 |
-5.3 to 7.3 |
Comments:
1. Two groups of seven randomised to either two dry dives 7 days apart, or two wet dives 7 days apart.
2. Monitored for bubbles by ultrasound every 20 minutes for 2 hours after the dives.
3. Small numbers and a statistically significant difference is not confirmed on our analysis. The authors report significant differences between wet and dry dives of both profiles. Difference not explained.
Appraised by:Mike Bennett ; Wednesday, 23 December 2020
Email: m.bennett@unsw.edu.au
Kill or Update By: December 2022
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