NCT00604227

Pulmonary Function at High-Altitude

Interstitial Pulmonary Edema After Rapid Ascent to High Altitude (Margherita Hut, 4559 m)

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 34 (actual)
• Sponsor: Heidelberg University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

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.

Conditions

• Pulmonary Edema

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Hypoxic Exposure	ascent to 4559 m within 24 h without prior acclimatization

Timeline

• Start date: 2005-07-01
• Completion: 2005-08-01
• First posted: 2008-01-30
• Last updated: 2008-01-30

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Germany