Risk factors for dysbaric osteonecrosis.
OBJECTIVE
Dysbaric osteonecrosis (DON) is a complication of ineffective decompression following exposure to high-pressure environments. This study was designed to determine risk factors for the occurrence of DON in divers.


METHODS
Fifty-six male divers received skeletal examinations by radiography to assess the occurrence of DON. A questionnaire was used to obtain clinical and diving information, including diving experience and maximum diving depth. Blood samples were collected to analyse the levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B.


RESULTS
Lesions of DON were detected in 31 of the 56 (55%) divers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high levels of PAI-1, a coagulation marker (odds ratio 4.281; P=0.0296) and great maximum diving depth (odds ratio 5.627; P=0.0231) were independent predictors of DON.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown the presence of coagulation abnormality in divers with DON. This result suggests that a pharmacological approach incorporating the use of an anticoagulant may represent a potential strategy for the prevention of DON.
Miyanishi
K
K
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyushu Rosai Hospital, 1-3-1, Kuzuharatakamatsu, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu, 800-0296 Japan.
Kamo
Y
Y
Ihara
H
H
Naka
T
T
Hirakawa
M
M
Sugioka
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D017395:Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 / Q000097:blood; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D017395:Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1