Pulmonary Hypertension
Conditions
Keywords
High Altitude, Pulmonary artery pressure, Echocardiography, Right heart function, exercise
Brief summary
Randomized crossover Trial in patients with Pulmonary Hypertension (PAH, CTEPH) to assess the acute response to High Altitude (2500m above sea level) on pulmonary artery pressure and right heart function (Echo) under exercise.
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 in Low Altitude (Zurich, 470m) and at High Altitude (2500m). Several times within the exposure, the pulmonary artery pressure and the right heart function will be assessed by echo under exercise.
Interventions
Assessment at Low Altitude (in Zurich; 470m above sea level) in order to compare this data with High altitude exposure
Exposure to High Altitude (Säntis; 2500m above sea level) for approximately 5 hours
Sponsors
University of Zurich
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Crossover Assignment Including a baseline assessment and assessments at Low altitude and High altitude
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Informed consent * PH diagnosed according to internation Guidelines: mPAP ≥ 25 mmHg along with a 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 PaO2 ≤7.3 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, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Echocardiographic Assessment at High Altitude (2500m) during exercise | 1 day at altitude | Pulmonary artery pressure will be measured by echo (TTE) under exercise. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Echocardiographic right heart assessment at High Altitude (2500m) during exercise | 1 day at altitude | The right heart function (fac, D-Shaping, etc.) will be assessed by echocardiography (TTE) under exercise |
Countries
Switzerland
Outcome results
None listed