Clinical Trial: Microparticles in Scuba Divers With Decompression Sickness

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational




Official Title: Phase 1 Study Investigating Alterations of Circulating Microparticles in Scuba Divers With Decompression Sickness

Brief Summary: The investigators hypothesize that membrane microparticles (MPs) are liberated into the blood stream in response to decompression stress and that certain MPs characteristics initiate inflammatory responses that contribute to the clinical syndrome the investigators call decompression sickness. The research goal is to evaluate the number, type and time-course for elevations in MPs in sport SCUBA divers who present for treatment of decompression sickness. Blood samples are to be taken from consenting patients before and after they undergo treatment for decompression sickness and at a follow-up clinic visit from 1 to 3 weeks later (three samples total).