[Aspirin in decompression sickness].
OBJECTIVE
We have performed a survey on the use of aspirin in decompression sickness (DCS) treatment in French hyperbaric centers'. We also conducted a review of literature to determine if aspirin was beneficial to treat human victims of DCS.


METHODS
Prospective observational study investigating French hyperbaric centers' prescription of aspirin to DCS' divers victims. The question we asked by mail or phone to French hyperbaric centers was: Do you give some aspirin to a diver with DCS if this treatment has not been given yet (on the site of accident).


RESULTS
A large majority of French hyperbaric centers (77.5%) consider aspirin in DCS treatment. However this practice is not consensual. There is no evidence from the literature to support the efficiency of aspirin in DCS.


CONCLUSIONS
Although aspirin is widely used for DCS treatment in France, more research is needed to determine if aspirin is useful.
Bessereau
Jacques
J
Pôle RUSH, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France. jacques.bessereau@ap-hm.fr
Coulange
Mathieu
M
Genotelle
Nicolas
N
Barthélémy
Alain
A
Michelet
Pierre
P
Bruguerolle
Bernard
B
Annane
Djillali
D
Auffray
Jean-Pierre
JP
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003625:Data Collection; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin