ACTIVATION OF COAGULATION IN DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS

In animal studies, many authors have observed coagulation activation i n decompression illness (DCI). These hemostasis modifications have bee n attributed to circulating bubbles. We have studied molecular hemosta sis markers in 25 consecutive divers, victims of DCI admitted to our h yperbaric center, and in 15 control divers. There was no significant d ifference in parameters studied in the patients and the control group (platelet, fibrinogen, antithrombin ill, Thrombin Antithrombin ill com plexes, and D-Dimers). An activation of coagulation (D-Dimer > 500 ng. ml(-1)) was noted in three divers with neurologic troubles. However, s uch signs of coagulation activation were not correlated with the risk of sequeals. No control or study patient with an osteoarticular or ves tibular accident presented signs of coagulation activation. Thus, ther e does not seem to be a correlation between the severity of the accide nt and the level oi coagulation activation. Further studies will be ne cessary to evaluate the responsibility of hemostasis modifications in the physiopathology of decompression accidents in sports divers.