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Blood Donation and Diving

   The acute phase of decompression sickness is characterized by a marked shortening of clotting time and a thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) with accompanying increased platelet aggregates. The recovery phase is categorized by a variety of hematological and bio-chemical changes.

Hemodilution (thinning of the blood), an elevated megathrombocyte (large platelet precursor cells) index, and a tendency toward eosinopenia (low eosinophil white cells) were evident for most of the 10-day observation period.

Other persistent alterations detected during this period included a relative hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), depressed urine sodium/potassium ratio and increased ketosteroid excretion. These observations indicate that abatement of pain after treatment of dysbarism can be followed by the onset of a variety of biochemical and hematological changes. Moreover, complete recovery may require upwards of 10 days.

Title Biochemistry and hematology at decompression sickness: a case report.
Author Jacey MJ; Heyder E; Williamson RA; Tappan DV
Source Aviat Space Environ Med, 47(6):657-61 1976 Jun

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