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European Journal of Applied Physiology Dec 2019Decompression illness (DCI) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by supersaturation of respiratory gases in blood and tissues after abrupt reduction in ambient... (Review)
Review
Decompression illness (DCI) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by supersaturation of respiratory gases in blood and tissues after abrupt reduction in ambient pressure. The resulting formation of gas bubbles combined with pulmonary barotrauma leads to venous and arterial gas embolism. Severity of DCI depends on the degree of direct tissue damage caused by growing bubbles or indirect cell injury by impaired oxygen transport, coagulopathy, endothelial dysfunction, and subsequent inflammatory processes. The standard therapy of DCI requires expensive and not ubiquitously accessible hyperbaric chambers, so there is an ongoing search for alternatives. In theory, perfluorocarbons (PFC) are ideal non-recompressive therapeutics, characterized by high solubility of gases. A dual mechanism allows capturing of excess nitrogen and delivery of additional oxygen. Since the 1980s, numerous animal studies have proven significant benefits concerning survival and reduction in DCI symptoms by intravenous application of emulsion-based PFC preparations. However, limited shelf-life, extended organ retention and severe side effects have prevented approval for human usage by regulatory authorities. These negative characteristics are mainly due to emulsifiers, which provide compatibility of PFC to the aqueous medium blood. The encapsulation of PFC with amphiphilic biopolymers, such as albumin, offers a new option to achieve the required biocompatibility avoiding toxic emulsifiers. Recent studies with PFC nanocapsules, which can also be used as artificial oxygen carriers, show promising results. This review summarizes the current state of research concerning DCI pathology and the therapeutic use of PFC including the new generation of non-emulsified formulations based on nanocapsules.
Topics: Animals; Decompression Sickness; Embolism, Air; Fluorocarbons; Humans; Nitrogen; Oxygen
PubMed: 31686213
DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04252-0 -
BMJ Military Health Nov 2023Terrorist events in the form of explosive devices have occurred and remain a threat currently to the population and the infrastructure of many nations worldwide.... (Review)
Review
Terrorist events in the form of explosive devices have occurred and remain a threat currently to the population and the infrastructure of many nations worldwide. Injuries occur from a combination of a blast wave, energised fragments, blunt trauma and burns. The relative preponderance of each injury mechanism is dependent on the type of device, distance to targets, population density and the surrounding environment, such as an enclosed space, to name but a few. One method of primary prevention of such injuries is by modification of the environment in which the explosion occurs, such as modifying population density and the design of enclosed spaces. The Human Injury Predictor (HIP) tool is a computational model which was developed to predict the pattern of injuries following an explosion with the goal to inform national injury prevention strategies from terrorist attacks. HIP currently uses algorithms to predict the effects from primary and secondary blast and allows the geometry of buildings to be incorporated. It has been validated using clinical data from the terrorist attacks in London and the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist event. Although the tool can be used readily, it will benefit from further development to refine injury representation, validate injury scoring and enable the prediction of triage states. The tool can assist both in the design of future buildings and methods of transport, as well as the situation of critical emergency services required in the response following a terrorist explosive event. The aim of this paper is to describe the HIP tool in its current version and provide a roadmap for optimising its utility in the future for the protection of national infrastructure and the population.
Topics: Humans; Blast Injuries; Explosive Agents; Strategic Planning; Explosions; Terrorism
PubMed: 35241623
DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-002052 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Jan 2020A young female patient presented to ear, nose, and throat clinic with long history of left sided facial pain exacerbated while flying and being in high altitude....
A young female patient presented to ear, nose, and throat clinic with long history of left sided facial pain exacerbated while flying and being in high altitude. Examination of nasal cavity and computed tomography scan of sinuses suggested left maxillary sinus barotrauma. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed completely resolving her symptoms. Based on her symptoms and examination findings she had reverse squeeze sinus barotrauma.
Topics: Adult; Altitude; Barotrauma; Facial Pain; Female; Humans; Maxillary Sinus
PubMed: 31937129
DOI: 10.1177/0145561319825556 -
Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine :... 2021
Topics: Decompression Sickness; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Time-to-Treatment
PubMed: 33975415
DOI: 10.22462/03.04.2021.15 -
Military Medicine Jul 2023The incidence of blast injuries on the battlefield has risen over the last several decades. In order to improve prevention and treatment, it is essential to understand...
INTRODUCTION
The incidence of blast injuries on the battlefield has risen over the last several decades. In order to improve prevention and treatment, it is essential to understand the severity and bodily distribution of these injuries. This study aims to characterize blast injury patterns among IDF fatalities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a descriptive, retrospective study on postmortem reports of military-blast fatalities between the years 1982 and 2021. Body regions injured according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) were described. The frequency of body region injury combinations was mapped, and the correlation between injured body regions was calculated using Pearson's coefficient. Analysis of a subgroup with a postmortem computed tomography (CT-PM) or autopsy was performed, describing severe (AIS ≥ 3) injury patterns.
RESULTS
Overall, 222 fatalities suffered from blast injury, with most injuries affecting the upper and lower extremities (63.7% and 66.5%, respectively), followed by the head (57.1%) and the thorax (56.6%). The median number of injured body regions was 4 (interquartile range, 2-5). The most frequent injury combinations were the upper and lower extremities (51%), the upper extremities and the thorax (45%), and the lower extremities and the thorax (41%). In all, 47/222 (21.2%) fatalities had a documented autopsy or CT-PM report. Among the fatalities with CT-PM or autopsy, the head (63.8%) and the thorax (57.4%) were most frequently severely injured (AIS ≥ 3).
CONCLUSIONS
Among blast fatalities in the military setting, the extremities were most commonly injured. However, data suggest that the head and thorax are more likely to sustain severe blast injuries resulting in mortality. Blast injuries in this cohort were characterized by concomitant involvement of several regions. Development of protective gear to minimize the multisystem injuries inflicted by blast injuries is warranted and should be focused on distinct types and anatomical distribution of severe blast injuries as reported in this study.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, Retrospective analysis.
Topics: Humans; Blast Injuries; Retrospective Studies; Male; Israel; Military Personnel; Adult; Female; Abbreviated Injury Scale; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Autopsy
PubMed: 36205252
DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac280 -
British Dental Journal Jan 2023Background and aim Dental tourism, which reflects the provision of health care services abroad, also includes a travelling component. Air travel after dental...
Background and aim Dental tourism, which reflects the provision of health care services abroad, also includes a travelling component. Air travel after dental intervention may cause barotrauma and barodontalgia. This paper aimed to provide guiding principles regarding the minimal time interval between dental procedures and air travel to prevent these adverse effects.Methods A literature search was performed to reveal information with regards to complications related to flights following dental treatments. There is little research in this area and most of it has been conducted on the military aircrew population, which has different characteristics of flight and personnel than civilian commercial flights.Results The recommended time of flying is one week after most dental intervention and six weeks after a sinus lift procedure. The minimal time required between a procedure and flight is 24 hours after restorative treatment, 24-48 hours after simple extraction, 72 hours after nonsurgical endodontic procedure, surgical extraction, and implant placement, and at least two weeks after sinus lift procedure.Conclusions The provided guidelines may serve as a starting point for the clinician's decision-making. The tailoring of an individual treatment plan to the patient should take into consideration the patient's condition, dental procedure, complications and flight characteristics. Further research based on commercial flights is needed to formulate more accurate guidelines for the civilian population.
Topics: Humans; Aerospace Medicine; Barotrauma; Diving; Toothache; Dental Caries; Stomatognathic Diseases; Medical Tourism; Atmospheric Pressure
PubMed: 36707585
DOI: 10.1038/s41415-023-5449-x -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Mar 2018Scuba diving is becoming increasingly popular. However, scuba diving is associated with specific risks; 80% of adults and 85% of juvenile divers (aged 6-17 years) have... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Scuba diving is becoming increasingly popular. However, scuba diving is associated with specific risks; 80% of adults and 85% of juvenile divers (aged 6-17 years) have been reputed to have an ear, nose, or throat complaint related to diving at some point during their diving career. Divers frequently seek advice from primary care physicians, diving physicians, and otorhinolaryngologists, not only in the acute setting, but also related to the long-term effects of diving.
OBSERVATIONS
The principles underpinning diving-related injuries that may present to the otorhinolaryngologist rely on gas volume and gas saturation laws, and the prevention of these injuries requires both that the diver is skilled and that their anatomy allows for pressure equalization between the various anatomical compartments. The overlapping symptoms of middle ear barotrauma, inner ear barotrauma, and inner ear decompression sickness can cause a diagnostic conundrum, and a thorough history of both the diver's symptoms and the dive itself are required to elucidate the diagnosis. Correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment result in a more timely return to safe diving.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of otorhinolaryngological complications during diving. With the increasing popularity of diving and the frequency of ear, nose, or throat-related injuries, it could be expected that these injuries will become more common and this review provides a resource for otorhinolaryngologists to diagnose and treat these conditions.
Topics: Barotrauma; Decompression Sickness; Diving; Epistaxis; Facial Paralysis; Humans; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases
PubMed: 29450472
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2017.2617 -
JAMA Ophthalmology Jan 2024Fireworks can cause vision-threatening injuries, but the association of local legislation with the mitigation of these injuries is unclear.
IMPORTANCE
Fireworks can cause vision-threatening injuries, but the association of local legislation with the mitigation of these injuries is unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the odds of firework-related ocular trauma among residents of areas where fireworks are permitted vs banned.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This case-control study was conducted at a level 1 trauma center in Seattle, Washington, among 230 patients presenting with ocular trauma in the 2 weeks surrounding the Independence Day holiday, spanning June 28 to July 11, over an 8-year period (2016-2022).
EXPOSURES
Firework ban status of patient residence.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Odds of firework-related injuries among residents of areas where fireworks are legal vs where they are banned, calculated as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs.
RESULTS
Of 230 consultations for ocular trauma during the study period, 94 patients (mean [SD] age, 25 [14] years; 86 male patients [92%]) sustained firework-related injuries, and 136 (mean [SD] age, 43 [23] years; 104 male patients [77%]) sustained non-firework-related injuries. The odds of firework-related ocular trauma were higher among those living in an area where fireworks were legal compared with those living in an area where fireworks were banned (OR, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.2-3.5]; P = .01). In addition, the odds of firework injuries were higher for patients younger than 18 years (OR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.7-5.8]; P < .001) and for male patients (OR, 3.3 [95% CI, 1.5-7.1]; P = .004). Firework injuries were more likely to be vision threatening (54 of 94 [57%]) compared with non-firework-related injuries (54 of 136 [40%]; OR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.2-3.5]; P = .01).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This case-control study suggests that the odds of firework-related ocular trauma were slightly higher among residents of areas where fireworks were legal compared with residents of areas where fireworks were banned. Although these results suggest that local firework bans may be associated with a small reduction in the odds of firework-related ocular trauma, additional studies are warranted to assess what actions might lead to greater reductions.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Blast Injuries; Case-Control Studies; Eye Injuries; Holidays; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38095891
DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.5698 -
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 -
Refu'at Ha-peh Veha-shinayim (1993) Apr 2017The military dentists who serve in the navy, treat divers, among other patients. Divers are being exposed to a changing, unique environment on a regular basis. The aim... (Review)
Review
The military dentists who serve in the navy, treat divers, among other patients. Divers are being exposed to a changing, unique environment on a regular basis. The aim of this article is to review latest literature on the different effects of scuba diving on the diver's head, face and oral regions and to emphasize methods of disease prevention, diagnostic tools and treatment guidelines. The review focuses on diving barotrauma (pressure- induced injury related to an air space) as well as scuba diving mouthpiece-related oral conditions, which include facial, jaw pain and headaches, decompression sickness and mouthpiece-related herpes infection. Each condition is described by its effect on the oral cavity and in particular the teeth.
Topics: Barotrauma; Diving; Humans; Military Dentistry; Military Personnel; Mouth
PubMed: 30699476
DOI: No ID Found