Pulmonary Edema
Conditions
Keywords
high altitude pulmonary edema, pulmonary interstitial fluid, pulmonary function testing, hypoxia, pulmonary endothelial function, high altitude exposure without prior acclimatization
Brief summary
Based on the findings of decreased vital capacity, decreased FEV1 and increased closing volume after ascent to high altitude, some investigators suggest the presence of a subclinical high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Since these parameters are only indirect measures of pulmonary interstitial fluid accumulation, the aim of this study is to examine the effects of broncho-constriction on the increase of closing volume by extensive lung function testing in healthy mountaineers at low altitude and on the Margherita Hut (4559 m). As has been done in earlier studies, conventional thorax radiographs are used for verification of HAPE. In this study, the determination of the thoracic fluid quantity will be completed by measurements of thoracic impedance. In addition markers of pulmonary endothelial function will be assessed to get further insight into the regulation of pulmonary vascular tone at altitude and in particular into the pathophysiology of HAPE.
Interventions
OTHERHypoxic Exposure
ascent to 4559 m within 24 h without prior acclimatization
Sponsors
Heidelberg University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Mountaineering ability required for reaching the Margherita hut (4559 m)
Exclusion criteria
* Borne above 1500 m * Subjects with internal medical diseases like all cardiac diseases, all pulmonary diseases, Diabetes mellitus, infectious diseases, thyroid diseases, malignant diseases, hepatic or renal diseases, * (Known) hypersensitivity to salbutamol or to another component of sultanol® or lidocaine, or to another component of xylocain® pump spray * Intake of drugs, especially nifedipine, acetazolamide and glucocorticoids or of drugs interacting with sultanol® or xylocain® pump spray * Pregnancy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| development of HAPE | during the 48 h stay at altitude |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| change of lung function parameters from low to high altitude | during the 48 h stay at altitude |
| markers of pulmonary endothelial function | during the 48 h stay at altitude |
| quantification of pulmonary interstitial fluid | during the 48 h stay at altitude |
Countries
Germany
Outcome results
None listed