The 1990 Hypobaric Decompression Sickness Workshop: Summary and conclusions

Abstract

Decompression sickness resulting from exposure to the hypobaric environment was reviewed and discussed at a three day workshop in Oct. 1990. This milestone meeting, attended by over 50 participants representing the Dept. of Defense, NASA, ESA, and academia, updated the current understanding of altitude decompression sickness (DCS). Both research and operational aspects of this illness were addressed through presentations on the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of DCS, its incidence in aviation and space operations, and existing and proposed measures for DCS prevention. Specific areas requiring further research were also identified. A summary is presented for the material given at the workshop.