Erythropoietin???

[Gregs]

OK, here's a strange one for you. Has anyone come across any work/research regarding the use of Erythropoietin for the treatment of decompression sickness? It's a drug that increases the number of red blood cells in the body, in theory it should decrease the risk of DCS and improve the treatment of those injuries. I can't find anything on it so if anyone has any ideas then I would love to hear about them.

Cheers Guys,
Gregs ;D

[manta]

I found www.daneurope.org/eng/lettmed1.htm on DAN Europe's site...

and www.uhms.org/Indications/LayIndic.htm from a university website.

I just stuck that word and added decompression sickness into and got tons of responses. Not being a medical person, all those terms didn't make sense to me.

Hope this helps

-k

[LSDeep]

EPOETIN ALFA (Epogen®, Procrit®) is a man-made form of erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. Sometimes, your body does not make enough erythropoietin, and that may cause anemia. Epoetin alfa acts treats anemia associated with chronic kidney failure, cancer chemotherapy, or HIV-therapy. Epoetin alfa may also be used before surgery if you have anemia. Generic epoetin alfa injections are not available.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•chest pain
•difficulty breathing
•headaches
•high blood pressure
•muscle aches or pains
•rapid weight gain
•seizures
•skin rash or hives
•swelling of feet or ankles
•unusual weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•fever, chills (flu-like symptoms)
•nausea, vomiting
•redness, stinging, or swelling at the injection site

Epoetin alfa can cause seizures, especially during the first 90 days of treatment; until you know how erythropoietin affects you, do not drive or use machinery.

As your body makes more red blood cells, you may need to take iron, folic acid, or vitamin B supplements. Make sure to follow your prescribers instructions when taking these supplements. Ask your prescriber or health care provider which products are right for you. If you have kidney disease continue dietary restrictions, even though this medication can make you feel better. Talk with your prescriber or health care professional about individual nutritional requirements.

Erythropoietin is also used in doping as an endurance enhancing medicament and widely banned. There are several studies usually related to hypoxia at altitude.
According to a friend of mine the use for hyperbaric treatments in diving related situations is questionable since the potential side effects outweight the increased oxygen transport in the body.

[Gregs]

Thanks Guys,
I was aware of the effects. But hey you never know if you don't ask.

Cheers again,
Gregs.