-
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance Feb 2019Barodontalgia, barometric pressure-induced dental pain, may jeopardize diving/flight safety. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the rate of...
Barodontalgia, barometric pressure-induced dental pain, may jeopardize diving/flight safety. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the rate of barodontalgia among military and civilian divers and aircrews based on previous reports. We analyzed the data of 4894 aircrew/divers reported in the literature. Barodontalgia rates (flight vs. diving, military vs. civilian, pressurized vs. non-pressurized aircrafts) were analyzed. The Chi-squared test was used to compare between groups. Of the 4894 individuals, 402 (8.2%) suffered from barodontalgia. Divers (9.8%) were more vulnerable than aircrews (5.8%). Barodontalgia experience rate was 5.4% and 6.5% in military and civilian aircrews, respectively, and 7.3% and 12.8% in military and civilian scuba divers, respectively. Barodontalgia was more common among aircrews of pressurized than non-pressurized aircrafts (7.3% vs. 3.2%, respectively). The greater amplitude of barometric pressure changes explains the higher rate of barodontalgia in divers than aircrew. The higher rate during pressurized flights is possibly because intracabin pressure in the pressurized cabin is still routinely higher than in nonpressurized aircrafts. Improved oral care and mandatory annual dental checkups may be the reason for the significantly lower rate of barodontalgia experienced among military aircrews and divers compared to their civilian counterparts. These results emphasize the essential role of atmospheric pressure change in the generation of pain during flight or diving and the importance of proper dental care.
Topics: Aerospace Medicine; Atmospheric Pressure; Barotrauma; Diving; Humans; Military Personnel; Pilots; Toothache
PubMed: 30670123
DOI: 10.3357/AMHP.5183.2019 -
Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine :... 2021Multiday hyperbaric exposure has been shown to reduce the incidence of decompression sickness (DCS) of compressed-air workers. This effect, termed acclimatization, has...
Multiday hyperbaric exposure has been shown to reduce the incidence of decompression sickness (DCS) of compressed-air workers. This effect, termed acclimatization, has been addressed in a number of studies, but no comprehensive review has been published. This systematic review reports the findings of a literature search. PubMed, Ovid Embase, The Cochrane Library and Rubicon Research Repository were searched for studies reporting DCS incidence, venous gas embolism (VGE) or subjective health reports after multiday hyperbaric exposure in man and experimental animals. Twenty-nine studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. Three epidemiological studies reported statistically significant acclimatization to DCS in compressed-air workers after multiday hyperbaric exposure. One experimental study observed less itching after standardized simulated dives. Two human experimental studies reported lower DCS incidence after multiday immersed diving. Acclimatization to DCS has been observed in six animal species. Multiday diving had less consistent effect on VGE after hyperbaric exposure in man. Four studies observed acclimatization while no statistically significant acclimatization was reported in the remaining eight studies. A questionnaire study did not report any change in self-perceived health after multiday diving. This systematic review has not identified any study suggesting a sensitizing effect of multiday diving, and there is a lack of data supporting benefit of a day off diving after a certain number of consecutive diving days. The results suggest that multiday hyperbaric exposure probably will have an acclimatizing effect and protects from DCS. The mechanisms causing acclimatization, extent of protection and optimal procedure for acclimatization has been insufficiently investigated.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Humans; Rabbits; Rats; Acclimatization; Atmospheric Pressure; Decompression Sickness; Diagnostic Self Evaluation; Diving; Embolism, Air; Goats; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Incidence; Occupational Diseases; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reference Values; Time Factors
PubMed: 33975403
DOI: 10.22462/03.04.2021.3 -
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and... Jan 2023To perform a systematic review to investigate the common presenting symptoms of barosinusitis, the incidence of those findings, the methods for diagnosis, as well as the...
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review to investigate the common presenting symptoms of barosinusitis, the incidence of those findings, the methods for diagnosis, as well as the medical and surgical treatment options.
METHODS
A review of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for articles published between 1967 and 2020 was conducted with the following search term: aerosinusitis OR "sinus squeeze" OR barosinusitis OR (barotrauma AND sinusitis) OR (barotrauma AND rhinosinusitis). Twenty-seven articles encompassing 232 patients met inclusion criteria and were queried for demographics, etiology, presentation, and medical and surgical treatments.
RESULTS
Mean age of patients was 33.3 years, where 21.7% were females and 78.3% were males. Causes of barotrauma include diving (57.3%), airplane descent (26.7%), and general anesthesia (0.4%). The most common presentations were frontal pain (44.0%), epistaxis (25.4%), and maxillary pain (10.3%). Most patients received topical steroids (44.0%), oral steroids (28.4%), decongestants (20.7%), and antibiotics (15.5%). For surgical treatment, most patients received functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) (49.6%). Adjunctive surgeries include middle meatal or maxillary antrostomy (20.7%), septoplasty (15.5%), and turbinate surgery (9.1%). The most efficacious medical treatments are as follows: 63.6% success rate with oral steroids (66 treated), 50.0% success rate with topical steroids (102 treated), and 50.0% success rate analgesics (10 treated). For surgical treatments received by greater than 10% of the sample, the most efficacious was FESS (91.5% success rate, 108 treated).
CONCLUSION
Oral and topical steroids should be first line therapies. If refractory, then functional endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective treatment.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adult; Endoscopy; Sinusitis; Barotrauma; Steroids; Chronic Disease; Craniocerebral Trauma; Pain
PubMed: 35130739
DOI: 10.1177/00034894211072353 -
Respiratory Care Jan 2021Studies evaluating neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in the management of ARDS have produced inconsistent results in terms of their effect on mortality. The purpose... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Studies evaluating neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in the management of ARDS have produced inconsistent results in terms of their effect on mortality. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate differences in mortality comparing subjects with ARDS who received NMBA to those who received placebo or usual care.
METHODS
We searched Ovid, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials evaluating administration of NMBAs in subjects with ARDS.
RESULTS
We included 6 studies ( = 1,558 subjects) from 1,814 abstracts identified by our search strategy. The use of early, continuous-infusion NMBAs reduces the risk of short-term (ie, 21-28-d) mortality (relative risk 0.71 [95% CI 0.52-0.98], = .030, = 60%) in subjects with ARDS but does not reduce the risk of long-term (ie, 90-d) mortality (relative risk 0.81 [95% CI 0.64-1.04], = .10, = 54%). NMBAs decreased the risk of barotrauma (relative risk 0.55 [95% CI 0.35-0.85], = .008, = 0%) and pneumothorax (relative risk 0.46 [95% CI 0.28-0.77], = .003, = 0%) compared to control.
CONCLUSIONS
In subjects with ARDS, early use of NMBAs improves oxygenation, reduces the incidence of ventilator-induced lung injury, and decreases 21-28-d mortality, but it does not improve 90-d mortality. NMBAs should be considered for select patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS for short durations.
Topics: Barotrauma; Humans; Lung; Neuromuscular Blocking Agents; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Time Factors
PubMed: 32843506
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.07849 -
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine Aug 2022Blast polytrauma is among the most serious mechanisms of injury confronted by medical providers. There are currently no specific studies or guidelines that define risk... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Blast polytrauma is among the most serious mechanisms of injury confronted by medical providers. There are currently no specific studies or guidelines that define risk factors for mortality in the context of pediatric blast injuries or describe pediatric blast injury profiles.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to evaluate risk factors for pediatric mortality and to describe differences in injury profiles between explosions related to terrorism versus unrelated to terrorism within the pediatric population.
METHODS
A PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis was performed where articles published from the years 2000-2021 were extracted from PubMed. Mortality and injury profile data were extracted from articles that met inclusion criteria. A bivariant unadjusted odds ratio (OR) analysis was performed to establish protective and harmful factors associated with mortality and to describe the injury profiles of blasts related to terrorism. Statistical significance was established at P < .05.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight articles were included and described a total of 222,638 unique injuries. Factors associated with increased mortality included if the explosion was related to terrorism (OR = 32.73; 95% CI, 28.80-37.21; P < .05) and if the explosion involved high-grade explosives utilized in the Global War on Terror ([GWOT] OR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.04-1.44; P < .05). Factors associated with decreased mortality included if the patient was resuscitated in a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-affiliated combat trauma hospital (OR = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.37-0.62; P < .05); if the explosive was fireworks (OR = 3.20×10-5; 95% CI, 2.00×10-6-5.16×10-4; P < .05); and if the explosion occurred in the United States (OR = 2.40×10-5; 95% CI, 1.51×10-6-3.87×10-4; P < .05). On average, victims of explosions related to terrorism were 10.30 years old (SD = 2.73) with 68.96% (SD = 17.58%) of victims reported as male. Comparison of victims of explosions related to terrorism revealed a higher incidence of thoracoabdominal trauma (30.2% versus 8.6%), similar incidence of craniocerebral trauma (39.5% versus 43.1%), and lower incidence of extremity trauma (31.8% versus 48.3%) compared to victims of explosions unrelated to terrorism.
CONCLUSION
Explosions related to terrorism are associated with increased mortality and unique injury profiles compared to explosions unrelated to terrorism in the pediatric population. Such findings are important for optimizing disaster medical education of pediatric providers in preparation for and management of acute sequelae of blast injuries-terror-related and otherwise.
Topics: Blast Injuries; Child; Explosions; Hospitals; Humans; Male; Multiple Trauma; Terrorism
PubMed: 35603691
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X22000747 -
European Archives of... Feb 2022Tympanic membrane retraction (TMR) is a relatively common otological finding. However, no consensus on its management exists. We are looking especially for a treatment...
IMPORTANCE
Tympanic membrane retraction (TMR) is a relatively common otological finding. However, no consensus on its management exists. We are looking especially for a treatment strategy in the military population who are unable to attend frequent follow-up visits, and who experience relatively more barotrauma at great heights and depths and easily suffer from otitis externa from less hygienic circumstances.
OBJECTIVE
To assess and summarize the available evidence for the effectiveness of surgical interventions and watchful waiting policy in patients with a tympanic membrane retraction.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
The protocol for this systematic review was published at Prospero (207859). PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched from inception up to September 2020 for published and unpublished studies. We included randomized trials and observational studies that investigated surgical interventions (tympanoplasty, ventilation tube insertion) and wait-and-see policy. The primary outcomes of this study were clinical remission of the tympanic membrane retraction, tympanic membrane perforations and cholesteatoma development.
FINDINGS
In total, 27 studies were included, consisting of 1566 patients with TMRs. We included data from 2 randomized controlled trials (76 patients) and 25 observational studies (1490 patients). Seven studies (329 patients) investigated excision of the TMR with and without ventilation tube placement, 3 studies (207 patients) investigated the wait-and-see policy and 17 studies (1030 patients) investigated tympanoplasty for the treatment of TMRs.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This study provides all the studies that have been published on the surgical management and wait-and-policy for tympanic membrane retractions. No high level of evidence comparative studies has been performed. The evidence for the management of tympanic membrane retractions is heterogenous and depends on many factors such as the patient population, location and severity of the TMR and presence of other ear pathologies (e.g., perforation, risk of cholesteatoma and serous otitis media).
Topics: Humans; Middle Ear Ventilation; Otitis Media with Effusion; Tympanic Membrane; Tympanoplasty
PubMed: 33689022
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-06719-3 -
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance Feb 2017Flights to high altitude can lead to exposure and unique pathology not seen in normal commercial aviation. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Flights to high altitude can lead to exposure and unique pathology not seen in normal commercial aviation.
METHODS
This paper assesses the potential for point-of-care ultrasound to aid in management and disposition of injured crewmembers from a high altitude incident. This was accomplished through a systematic literature review regarding current diagnostic and therapeutic uses of ultrasound for injuries expected in high altitude free fall and parachuting.
RESULTS
While current research supports its utility in diagnostics, therapeutic procedures, and triage decisions, little research has been done regarding its utility in high altitude specific pathology, but its potential has been demonstrated.
DISCUSSION
An algorithm was created for use in high altitude missions, in the event of an emergency descent and traumatic landing for an unconscious and hypotensive pilot, to rule out most life threatening causes. Each endpoint includes disposition, allowing concise decision-making.Galdamez LA, Clark JB, Antonsen EL. Point-of-care ultrasound utility and potential for high altitude crew recovery missions. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(2):128-136.
Topics: Aerospace Medicine; Altitude; Aviation; Barotrauma; Cardiac Tamponade; Clinical Decision-Making; Contusions; Decompression Sickness; Diaphragm; Emergency Medical Services; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Pericardial Effusion; Pleural Effusion; Pneumothorax; Point-of-Care Systems; Pulmonary Atelectasis; Pulmonary Edema; Surgery, Computer-Assisted; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 28095957
DOI: 10.3357/AMHP.4640.2017 -
Annals of the American Thoracic Society Oct 2017In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung recruitment maneuvers (LRMs) may prevent ventilator-induced lung injury and improve survival. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
RATIONALE
In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung recruitment maneuvers (LRMs) may prevent ventilator-induced lung injury and improve survival.
OBJECTIVES
To summarize the current evidence in support of the use of LRMs in adult patients with ARDS and to inform the recently published American Thoracic Society/European Society of Intensive Care Medicine/Society of Critical Care Medicine clinical practice guideline on mechanical ventilation in ARDS.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing mechanical ventilation strategies with and without LRMs. Eligible trials were identified from among previously published systematic reviews and an updated literature search. Data on 28-day mortality, oxygenation, adverse events, and use of rescue therapy were collected, and results were pooled using random effects models weighted by inverse variance. Strength of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology.
RESULTS
We screened 430 citations and previous systematic reviews and found six trials eligible for inclusion (n = 1,423 patients in total). The type of LRM varied widely between trials, and five of the trials involved a cointervention with a higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation strategy. Risk of bias was deemed high in one trial. In the primary analysis, the only trial without a cointervention showed that LRMs were associated with reduced mortality (one trial; risk ratio [RR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.98; evidence grade = low). Meta-analysis of all six trials also suggested a significant mortality reduction (six trials; RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.95; evidence grade = moderate), and the use of a higher PEEP cointervention did not significantly modify the mortality effect (P = 0.27 for heterogeneity). LRMs were also associated with improved oxygenation after 24 hours (six trials; mean increase, 52 mm Hg; 95% CI, 23-81 mm Hg) and less frequent requirement for rescue therapy (three trials; RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45-0.94). LRMs were not associated with an increased rate of barotrauma (four trials; RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.46-1.55). The rate of hemodynamic compromise was not significantly increased with LRMs (three trials; RR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.92-1.78).
CONCLUSIONS
Randomized trials suggest that LRMs in combination with a higher PEEP ventilation strategy reduce mortality, but confidence in this finding is limited. Further trials are required to confirm benefit from LRMs in adults with ARDS.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Lung Compliance; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury
PubMed: 29043837
DOI: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.201704-340OT -
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial... May 2023E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular devices used to consume nicotine in recent years. There is a growing body of evidence regarding the risk of spontaneous...
PURPOSE
E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular devices used to consume nicotine in recent years. There is a growing body of evidence regarding the risk of spontaneous explosion of these devices causing burn and projectile injuries. The primary purpose of this review was to summarize all injuries to the oral and maxillofacial region secondary to explosion of e-cigarettes. The secondary purpose was to propose an initial management algorithm for such injuries based on the findings in the literature. This review also aims to test the hypothesis that e-cigarette explosive injuries to the oral region were associated with an increased risk of intubation and surgery and examine whether any other injury pattern was associated with an increased risk of intubation or surgery.
METHODS
A cohort study based on identifying cases in the literature was conducted to summarize injuries to the oral and maxillofacial region and examine the associations between injury types and location and management. A literature search of the major biomedical databases was conducted in September 2022 using terms such as e-cigarette, explosion, blast, trauma, and burn, among others, which yielded 922 studies. Nonclinical studies, review articles, and studies without injuries to the facial region were excluded. Study subjects were recorded for demographics, device characteristics, injury mechanism, injury location, management, and complications. Chi-squared analysis was used to determine if the predictor variables of type of injury (burn or projectile) and its associated location (ocular, facial, or intraoral for burns and facial thirds for projectile) were associated with the outcomes of intubation and surgical management. The collected data were then used as a guide to propose an initial management algorithm for these injuries.
RESULTS
Twenty eight studies, including 20 case reports and 8 case series met the inclusion criteria. A total of 32 explosions of e-cigarettes to 32 patients caused 105 recorded injuries to the facial region. Projectile injuries made up 73.3% (n = 77) of all facial injuries, while burn injuries made up of 26.7% (n = 28). There were 14 (43.8%) patients who suffered both projectile and burn injuries. Burn injuries mostly involved the face (64.3%, n = 18), oral cavity (25%, n = 7), and eye (10.7%, n = 7). The majority (81.8%, n = 63) of projectile injuries occurred in the lower facial third. There were 20 (62.5%) patients who suffered a bone or tooth fracture. Management of injuries involved surgery in 62.5% (n = 20) of patients, which included open reduction and internal fixation of fractures, dental extraction, bone and skin grafts, and ocular surgery. A complication rate of 44.4% (n = 8) was observed across studies that reported on follow-up. There was no statistically significant association between explosive injury to the oral region and intubation or surgical management. There was also no other statistically significant association between any other injury type and location with intubation or surgical management.
CONCLUSIONS
E-cigarettes are at risk for spontaneous combustion that can cause serious oral and maxillofacial injuries, particularly to the lower facial third and commonly requiring surgical management. Safety of these devices should be improved through increased user education and regulation.
Topics: Humans; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Cohort Studies; Burns; Maxillofacial Injuries; Explosions; Blast Injuries; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36806607
DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2023.01.009 -
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Dec 2021Inner ear barotrauma (IEBt) and inner ear decompression sickness (IEDCS) are the two dysbaric inner ear injuries associated with diving. Both conditions manifest as... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Inner ear barotrauma (IEBt) and inner ear decompression sickness (IEDCS) are the two dysbaric inner ear injuries associated with diving. Both conditions manifest as cochleovestibular symptoms, causing difficulties in differential diagnosis and possibly delaying (or leading to inappropriate) treatment.
METHODS
This was a systematic review of IEBt and IEDCS cases aiming to define diving and clinical variables that help differentiate these conditions. The search strategy consisted of a preliminary search, followed by a systematic search covering three databases (PubMed, Medline, Scopus). Studies were included when published in English and adequately reporting one or more IEBt or IEDCS patients in diving. Concerns regarding missing and duplicate data were minimised by contacting original authors when necessary.
RESULTS
In total, 25 studies with IEBt patients (n = 183) and 18 studies with IEDCS patients (n = 397) were included. Variables most useful in differentiating between IEBt and IEDCS were dive type (free diving versus scuba diving), dive gas (compressed air versus mixed gas), dive profile (mean depth 13 versus 43 metres of seawater), symptom onset (when descending versus when ascending or surfacing), distribution of cochleovestibular symptoms (vestibular versus cochlear) and absence or presence of other DCS symptoms. Symptoms of difficult middle ear equalisation or findings consistent with middle ear barotrauma could not be reliably assessed in this context, being insufficiently reported in the IEDCS literature.
CONCLUSIONS
There are multiple useful variables to help distinguish IEBt from IEDCS. Symptoms of difficult middle ear equalisation or findings consistent with middle ear barotrauma require further study as means of distinguishing IEBt and IEDCS.
Topics: Barotrauma; Decompression Sickness; Diagnosis, Differential; Diving; Ear, Inner; Humans
PubMed: 34897597
DOI: 10.28920/dhm51.4.328-337