An Air Force-funded study conducted by the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that immediately evacuating patients by air to hospitals outside of the battle zone could cause “more damage to already injured brains,” according to a Nov. 30 summary of the study. “This research shows that exposure to reduced barometric pressure, as occurs on military planes used for evacuation, substantially worsens neurological function and increases brain cell loss after experimental [traumatic brain injury]—even when levels are kept in the normal range,” said lead researcher Alan Faden, a professor in trauma at Maryland. The study, which was published Monday in the Journal of Neurotrauma, “suggests that we need to carefully re-evaluate the cost-benefit of air transport in the first days after injury.” Faden and his colleagues believe that exposure to lowered air pressure, known as hypobaria, increases “persistent brain inflammation after injury.” They are currently testing treatments that could reduce the risk of air evacuation. “Early results are promising,” states the release. (Read the full study; Caution, large-sized file.)
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…