Risk factors for dysbaric osteonecrosis.

OBJECTIVES: 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.