DISCUSSION OF DISSEMINATED INTRAVASCULAR COAGULATION IN DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS
Abstract
The etiology of decompression sickness is discussed from the point of view of its historical development from 1670 (Robert Boyle) to the present. A number of authors are cited who have called attention to circumstances unexplained by the bubble theory, and pointing to the existence of other mechanisms in the production of decompression sickness. The concept of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is one of the mechanisms which has been receiving much attention as a possible coexisting condition in at least some of the cases of decompression sickness. DIC is a transient coagulation occurring in the flowing blood throughout the vascular tree which may obstruct the microcirculation. It involves the transformation of fibrinogen to fibrin; it includes the agglutination of red blood cells, and sticking of platelets. It is often seen in cases of shock. An extensive bibliography (124 items) is included.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 20, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0700239
Entities
People
- John A. Holland
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory