Pulmonary Hypertension
Conditions
Keywords
Simulated altitude, cognitive function
Brief summary
Randomized crossover Trial in patients with Pulmonary Hypertension (PAH, CTEPH) to assess the acute response to simulated altitude (FiO2:15.1, equivalent to 2500m above sea level) on cognitive functions.
Detailed description
Low altitude baseline measurements will be performed in Zurich (460m asl) including Echocardiography, Right heart catheterization, six-minute walk test (6MWT), pulmonary function test, clinical assessment and blood gas Analysis. Randomly assigned to the order of testing, the participants will be tested under simulated altitude (FiO2: 15.1% with the AMC Altitrainer) and shamed altitude with the same device. During the exposure to simulated altitude (FiO2: 15.1%) of approximately 1 hour, the participants will perform cognitive function test . The results will be compared under hypoxic and normal conditions.
Interventions
Inhalation of deoxygenated air through a altitude simulator (Altitrainer), for approx. 1 hour. given by a facemask.
Inhalation of unmodified air through an altitude Simulator (Altitrainer) for approximately 1 hour given by a facemask
Sponsors
Study design
Masking description
The allocated gas mixture will not be disclosed to the patient since he will breath through a facemask during both interventions.
Intervention model description
Including a baseline assessment and assessments under simulated altitude and normoxia.
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
* Informed consent * PH diagnosed according to internation Guidelines: mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥ 25 mmHg along with a pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) ≤15 mmHg during right heart catheterization at the time of initial diagnosis * PH class 1 (PAH) or 4 (CTEPH) * Stable condition, on the same medication for \> 4 weeks * Patient live permanently at an altitude \< 1000m asl.
Exclusion criteria
* Resting partial oxygen pressure (PaO2) ≤7.3 kilopascal (kPA) corresponding to the requirement of long-term oxygen therapy \> 16hour daily (nocturnal oxygen therapy alone is allowed) * Severe daytime hypercapnia (pCO2 \> 6.5 kPa) * Susceptibility to high altitude related diseases (AMS, high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), etc.) based on previous experienced discomfort at altitudes. * Exposure to an altitude \>1500m for ≥3 nights during the last 4 weeks before the study participation * Residence \> 1000m above sea level * Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, neurological or orthopedic problems with walking disability * Women who are pregnant or breast feeding
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Function test | 2 hours | Change in cognitive function test time during the exposure to simulated altitude (FiO2: 15.1%) and normoxia |
Countries
Switzerland