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Publication AbstractsRelationship between age and susceptibility to altitude decompression sicknessSulaiman ZM, Pilmanis AA, O'Connor RBAviat Space Environ Med 1997; 68:695-8 AbstractBackground: Susceptibility to altitude decompression sickness (DCS) is influenced by a multitude of factors including, potentially, an individual's age. Previous attempts by authors to determine the effect of age on DCS susceptibility have produced conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to try to clarify that conflict and to quantify the impact of age on DCS risk. Methods: We examined the Armstrong Laboratory DCS Hypobaric Research Database containing data on 1299 subject flight exposures conducted from 1983 94. Subjects were from 18 48 yr of age. Exposure altitudes ranged from 11,500 ft (3505 m) to 30,000 ft (9144 m). The duration of exposure varied from 3 8 h and pre-oxygenation time ranged from 0 2 h and 15 min. Data were compiled according to seven age groups. Results: The results show a significant three-fold increase in susceptibility between the age group 18 21 and the group > 42 yr of age. The results also show a trend toward increased susceptibility between the 18 21 group and the groups between 26 and 41 yr of age. However, there was no significant change within the range of 26 41 yr. Conclusions: There is a trend toward increased DCS susceptibility with increasing age, with a particularly strong trend for individuals over 42 yr of age.
Information on subscribing, and on obtaining copies of an article or of an entire issue. Table of Contents for Volume 68, Number 8 of the ASEM journal.
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