Publication Abstracts

Guidelines for treatment of decompression illness.

Moon RE, Sheffield PJ.
Aviat Space Environ Med 1997; 68:234-43.

Editor's Comment

Three years ago, the Executive Director of the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) and the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) met to discuss prospects for a joint workshop on a topic of general interest to the members of both organizations. It was agreed that the topic would be the treatment of decompression illness (DCI) to include not only the latest in hyperbaric therapy, but also adjunctive therapeutic modalities such as fluids, steroids, and anti-coagulants. subsequently the workshop, co-chaired by Richard E. Moon, M.D. (UHMS) and Paul J. Sheffield, Ph.D. (AsMA) convened in West Palm Beach, FL. It was attended by over 100 participants from 13 countries, each of whom brought a wide range of experience in the management of DCI. The result of the proceedings was a 426-page scholarly, well-referenced monograph entitled "Treatment of Decompression Illness."

In order to provide practitioners and scientists with a more concise version of the monograph, we are pleased to publish in this issue of the journal an abbreviated article prepared by Drs. Moon and Sheffield. However, we would encourage those of you with a particular interest in DCI to purchase a copy of the full report - it is truly excellent. You can obtain your copy of "Treatment of Decompression Illness" by writing to the AsMA Home Office (Attn: Ms. Blaher) and remitting payment of $50 (U.S. Funds), which includes handling and postage.

Russell B. Rayman, M.D.
Executive Director

G. Richard Holt, M.D.
Editor-in-Chief

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Table of Contents for Volume 68, Number 3 of the ASEM journal.