title: Lidocaine as an adjunct to hyperbaric therapy in decompression illness: a case report.
abstract: A recreational scuba diver with nervous system decompression illness had a poor response to hyperbaric therapy. On the basis of available and supportive in vivo data, he was then given a continuous infusion of lidocaine (serum levels, low therapeutic range: 6.4-9.1 mumol/liter). Within 24 h of the start of this infusion he experienced a full resolution of his neurologic deficits. His symptoms recurred 3 days later, but again completely resolved after further hyperbaric therapy and concurrent administration of lidocaine (serum levels: 6.9-9.1 mumol/liter). This observation supports the need to conduct trials of lidocaine as an adjunct to hyperbaric therapy in decompression illness.
authors.affiliation: Royal New Zealand Naval Hospital, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Drewry
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Gorman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001273:Atmosphere Exposure Chambers; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D008012:Lidocaine