The effect of safety hat on thermal responses and working efficiency under a high temperature environment

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a safety hat on thermal responses and work efficiency under a high temperature environment. Five healthy male subjects participated in the repeated 'Rest' and 'Exercise' periods in order to compare a safety hat without holes (annoted as 'without hole') and a safety hat with holes (annoted as 'with hole') in a climatic chamber of 30 degrees C, 50%RH.The main findings are as follows: (a) the core temperature (tympanic temperature) and heart rate showed significantly lower levels in the subjects who are under the 'with hole' condition than those who are under the 'without hole' condition; (b) the forehead skin temperature was significantly higher in the subjects who are under the 'without hole' condition than those who ar uder the 'with hole' condition; (c) blood pressure was significantly lower in the 'with hole' condition; and (d) sweat rate which was measured by weight loss before and after the experiment was higher in the 'without hole' condition; and (e) work ability which was measured by a grip strength dynamometer was higher in the 'with hole' condition.Making a hole in the safety hat, designed for proper ventilation and hygiene, is practical in letting out heat and decreasing the physiological burden under a hot working environment. The safety hat with holes is useful in maintaining the homeostasis of the body temperature by releasing body heat efficiently and it is meaningful to keep the working efficiency.     

负离子化学制氧机对人体抗缺氧效果的实验研究

目的:在模拟高原环境下,对比研究自主开发的负离子化学制氧机在模拟高原环境下对机体的抗缺氧效果。方法:将40名受试对象随机分为2组,分别为T1、T2组,每组20人。使两组受试对象进入高原模拟舱,并在舱中模拟海拔5000m的高原环境,利用Philips MP20多参数检测仪监测受试对象的血氧饱和度(SpO2)以及心率(HR)。待其稳定后,T1组使用传统化学制氧机供氧,T2组使用负离子化学制氧机供氧,两组供氧装备的氧气流量相同。观察并记录供氧后T1、T2组SpO2和HR的稳定值以及到达稳定值所需的时间。结果:T1、T2组供氧后的SpO2和HR较供氧之前均有显著差异(P<0.05);T2组供氧后SpO2和HR到达稳定值所需的时间显著小于T1组(P<0.05)。结论:负离子化学制氧机具有明显的抗缺氧效果,能快速改善机体的缺氧状态,抗缺氧效率显著高于传统的化学制氧机。     

高原致适应剂新复方党参片预防急性高原反应的效果

目的:观察高原致适应剂新复方党参片对急性高原反应(AMS)的预防效果。方法:世居平原者驻守海拔1400m3个月的45名青年男性官兵,随机分为新复方党参片组(30人)和对照组(15人),采用单盲试验方法,于行军前5d开始分别口服新复方党参片和安慰剂片,乘车行军3d,于3700m习服4d,直至进驻高原(海拔5200m)第3天后停药,共服药15d。进驻高原后第1、3、5天,依国家军用标准GJB1098-91急性高原反应的诊断和处理原则,随访记录受试者的AMS症状,然后分度评分,检测受试者的心率(HR)、血氧饱和度(SaO2)。进驻高原后第6天,检测用力肺活量(FVC)、1秒用力呼气量(FEV1.0)、FEV1.0/FVC,一秒率(FEV1%)、最大呼气中期流速(FEF25%～75%)、呼气峰流速(PEF)、最大通气量(MVV)、左右手交叉敲击动作频率总次数(Ttis)、错误次数(Etis)、正确次数(Ctis)、平均时间(Atime)和数字记忆能力试验错误记忆次数总和(Sum)。结果:与对照组比较,进驻高原后第1、3、5d,新复方党参片组AMS症状显著减轻(P0.01);新复方党参片组与对照组的AMS程度分度分布不同(P0.01),新复方党参片组中症状较轻的(基本无反应、轻度反应)占比重较大,而对照组中症状较重的(中度反应、重度反应)占比重较大;新复方党参片组AMS发生率明显降低;与对照组比较,新复方党参片组的FVC、FEV1.0、FEF25%～75%、PEF、MVV升高有统计学意义(P0.05,P0.01),FEV1%差异无统计学意义;与对照组比较,新复方党参片组的Ttis、Ctis增加(P0.05,P0.01),Atime减少(P0.05),Etis和Sum差异无统计学意义。结论:新复方党参片能减轻AMS的程度,减轻AMS的症状,降低AMS发生率;并能显著改善受试者的肺通气功能和手指运动能力。     

急性高原暴露后左心功能变化及与急性高原病的关系

目的：研究青年男性由平原急进高原后心脏血流动力学变化及其与急性高原病的关系。方法：分别检测218名健康青年男性在平原及急进高原24h内的血压、心卒和血氧饱和度,使用彩色多普勒超声仪检测左心功能;根据路易斯湖评分标准将受试者分为急性高原病纽（AMS组）和无急性高原病组（无AMS组）。结果：急性高原暴露后心率、舒张压、平均动脉压、左室射血分数、每搏输出量、每博指数、心输出量、心脏指数显著增加（P〈0．05）,血氧饱和度、左室收缩末容积则显著降低（P〈0．05）;急进高原后AMS组心率、收缩压、平均动脉压显著高于无AMS组（P〈0．05）,每博指数、左室舒张末容积显著低于无AMS组（P〈0．05）。结论：健康男性青年急性高原暴露后左心室收缩功能增强,左室舒张末容积、心率、每博指数可能作为预测急性高原病的参考指标。     

Effect of exercise on cerebral perfusion in humans at high altitude.

The effects of submaximal and maximal exercise on cerebral perfusion were assessed using a portable, recumbent cycle ergometer in nine unacclimatized subjects ascending to 5,260 m. At 150 m, mean (SD) cerebral oxygenation (rSO2%) increased during submaximal exercise from 68.4 (SD 2.1) to 70.9 (SD 3.8) (P < 0.0001) and at maximal oxygen uptake (.VO2(max)) to 69.8 (SD 3.1) (P < 0.02). In contrast, at each of the high altitudes studied, rSO2 was reduced during submaximal exercise from 66.2 (SD 2.5) to 62.6 (SD 2.1) at 3,610 m (P < 0.0001), 63.0 (SD 2.1) to 58.9 (SD 2.1) at 4,750 m (P < 0.0001), and 62.4 (SD 3.6) to 61.2 (SD 3.9) at 5,260 m (P < 0.01), and at .VO2(max) to 61.2 (SD 3.3) at 3,610 m (P < 0.0001), to 59.4 (SD 2.6) at 4,750 m (P < 0.0001), and to 58.0 (SD 3.0) at 5,260 m (P < 0.0001). Cerebrovascular resistance tended to fall during submaximal exercise (P = not significant) and rise at .VO2(max), following the changes in arterial oxygen saturation and end-tidal CO(2). Cerebral oxygen delivery was maintained during submaximal exercise at 150 m with a nonsignificant fall at .VO2(max), but at high altitude peaked at 30% of .VO2(max) and then fell progressively at higher levels of exercise. The fall in rSO2 and oxygen delivery during exercise may limit exercise at altitude and is likely to contribute to the problems of acute mountain sickness and high-altitude cerebral edema.     

Prevalence of acute mountain sickness in the Swiss Alps.

OBJECTIVE--To assess the prevalence of symptoms and signs of acute mountain sickness of the Swiss Alps. DESIGN--A study using an interview and clinical examination in a representative population of mountaineers. Positive symptoms and signs were assigned scores to quantify the severity of acute mountain sickness. SETTING--Four huts in the Swiss Alps at 2850 m, 3050 m, 3650 m, and 4559 m. SUBJECTS--466 Climbers, mostly recreational: 47 at 2850 m, 128 at 3050 m, 82 at 3650, and 209 at 4559 m. RESULTS--In all, 117 of the subjects were entirely free of symptoms and clinical signs of acute mountain sickness; 191 had one or two symptoms and signs; and 158 had more than two. Those with more than two symptoms and signs were defined as suffering from acute mountain sickness. At 4559 m 11 climbers presented with high altitude pulmonary oedema or cerebral oedema, or both. Men and women were equally affected. The prevalence of acute mountain sickness correlated with altitude: it was 9% at 2850 m, 13% at 3050 m, 34% at 3650 m, and 53% at 4559 m. The most frequent symptoms and signs were insomnia, headache, peripheral oedema, and scanty pulmonary rales. Severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, tachypnoea, and pronounced pulmonary rales were associated with other symptoms and signs and therefore characteristic of acute mountain sickness. CONCLUSION--Acute mountain sickness is not an uncommon disease at moderately high altitude--that is, above 2800 m. Severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, tachypnoea, and pronounced pulmonary rales indicate severe acute mountain sickness, and subjects who suffer these should immediately descend to lower altitudes.     

How well do older persons tolerate moderate altitude?

We studied the physiologic and clinical responses to moderate altitude in 97 older men and women (aged 59 to 83 years) over 5 days in Vail, Colorado, at an elevation of 2,500 m (8,200 ft). The incidence of acute mountain sickness was 16%, which is slightly lower than that reported for younger persons. The occurrence of symptoms of acute mountain sickness did not parallel arterial oxygen saturation or spirometric or blood pressure measurements. Chronic diseases were present in percentages typical for ambulatory elderly persons: 19 (20%) had coronary artery disease, 33 (34%) had hypertension, and 9 (9%) had lung disease. Despite this, no adverse signs or symptoms occurred in our subjects during their stay at this altitude. Our findings suggest that persons with preexisting, generally asymptomatic, cardiovascular or pulmonary disease can safely visit moderate altitudes.     

Blood rheology in acute mountain sickness and high-altitude pulmonary edema.

The role of blood rheology in the pathogenesis of acute mountain sickness and high-altitude pulmonary edema was investigated. Twenty-three volunteers, 12 with a history of high-altitude pulmonary edema, were studied at low altitude (490 m) and at 2 h and 18 h after arrival at 4,559 m. Eight subjects remained healthy, seven developed acute mountain sickness, and eight developed high-altitude pulmonary edema. Hematocrit, whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation, and erythrocyte deformability (filtration) were measured. Plasma viscosity and erythrocyte deformability remained unaffected. The hematocrit level was lower 2 h after the arrival at high altitude and higher after 18 h compared with low altitude. The whole blood viscosity changed accordingly. The erythrocyte aggregation was about doubled 18 h after the arrival compared with low-altitude values, which reflects the acute phase reaction. There were, however, no significant differences in any rheological parameters between healthy individuals and subjects with acute mountain sickness or high-altitude pulmonary edema, either before or during the illness. We conclude that rheological abnormalities can be excluded as an initiating event in the development of acute mountain sickness and high-altitude pulmonary edema.     

帕米尔高原慢性高山病患病调查分析

目的：调查帕米尔高原地区慢性高山病（CMS）患病情况,分析其临床特征及其影响因素。方法：采用青海CMS记分系统,对帕米尔高原地区的824名居民进行CMS症状调查,记录人口学特征、血压（BP）、血氧饱和度（SaO₂）、心率和CMS特异症状,抽取静脉血检测血红蛋白（Hb）值。结果：帕米尔高原地区CMS总体患病率为22.08%,其中轻度为21.84%,中度为0.24%,未见重度CMS患者。性别、民族、年龄、居住海拔高度、移居时间、职业、习服方式等是CMS患病的影响因素（P<0.05,P<0.01）,分别比较男性和女性的CMS患病率与高原红细胞增多症患病率,差异有统计学意义（χ²=90.59和44.13,P<0.01）。多元线性回归分析显示：年龄、体质指数（BMI）、SaO₂和收缩压（SBP）与CMS患病率密切相关（P<0.01）。结论：帕米尔高原地区慢性高原病患病率较高,而高原红细胞增多症并不多见,CMS患病类型以高原衰退为主。合理安排工作和运动,避免过度疲劳;合理吸氧,提高血氧饱和度;积极治疗,控制血压;安排平原休假或疗养等措施有助于改善慢性高原病症状,减少患病率。     

Responses of the autonomic nervous system in altitude adapted and high altitude pulmonary oedema subjects

Studies were carried out to ascertain the role of sympatho-parasympathetic responses in the process of adaptation to altitude. The assessment of status of autonomic balance was carried out in a group of 20 young male subjects by recording their resting heart rate, blood pressure, oral temperature, mean skin temperature, extremity temperatures, pupillary diameter, cold pressor response, oxygen consumption, cardioacceleration during orthostasis and urinary excretion of catecholamines; in a thermoneutral laboratory. The same parameters were repeated on day 3 and at weekly intervals for a period of 3 weeks, after exposing them to 3,500 m; and also after return to sea level. At altitude, similar studies were carried out in a group of 10 acclimatized lowlanders, 10 high altitude natives and 6 patients who had recently recovered from high altitude pulmonary oedema. In another phase, similar studies were done in two groups of subjects, one representing 15 subjects who had stayed at altitude (3,500–4,000 m) without any ill effects and the other comprising of 10 subjects who had either suffered from high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) or acute mountain sickness (AMS). The results revealed sympathetic overactivity on acute induction to altitude which showed gradual recovery on prolonged stay, the high altitude natives had preponderance to parasympathetic system. Sympathetic preponderance may not be an essential etiological factor for the causation of maladaptation syndromes.     

Coagulation and fibrinolysis in acute mountain sickness and beginning pulmonary edema

To examine whether intravascular coagulation and/or decreased fibrinolysis precedes high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) we examined 25 male mountaineers (median age 40 yr) at low altitude (550 m) and after 6, 18, and 42 h at an altitude of 4,559 m, which was climbed in 24 h. In 14 subjects, 2 of whom showed radiological evidence of HAPE after 42 h, symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) were mild or absent. Eleven subjects suffered from AMS, six of whom developed radiologically documented HAPE after 18 or 42 h. In the absence of AMS there were no significant changes at high altitude, with the exception of a decrease in bleeding time from 246 +/- 18 to 212 +/- 13 (SE) (P less than 0.05). In AMS, partial thromboplastine time decreased from 34.2 +/- 0.8 to 31.1 +/- 0.5 s (P less than 0.001) and factor VIII procoagulant activity and von Willebrand factor antigen were increased by 57 +/- 12 and 70 +/- 13%, respectively (P less than 0.001), whereas there were no significant changes in beta-thromboglobulin (BTG), fibrinopeptide A (FPA), and fibrin fragment B beta 15-42. In subjects with HAPE, BTG, FPA, and B beta 15-42 were normal before and in beginning HAPE. Preceding HAPE, euglobulin clot lysis time declined at high compared with low altitude from 289 +/- 48 to 201 +/- 42 min without venous occlusion (VO) and from 107 +/- 36 to 86 +/- 31 min after VO (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Autonomic cardiovascular function in high-altitude Andean natives with chronic mountain sickness.

We evaluated autonomic cardiovascular regulation in subjects with polycythemia and chronic mountain sickness (CMS) and tested the hypothesis that an increase in arterial oxygen saturation has a beneficial effect on arterial baroreflex sensitivity in these subjects. Ten Andean natives with a Hct >65% and 10 natives with a Hct <60%, all living permanently at an altitude of 4,300 m, were included in the study. Cardiovascular autonomic regulation was evaluated by spectral analysis of hemodynamic parameters, while subjects breathed spontaneously or frequency controlled at 0.1 and 0.25 Hz, respectively. The recordings were repeated after a 1-h administration of supplemental oxygen and after frequency-controlled breathing at 6 breaths/min for 1 h, respectively. Subjects with Hct >65% showed an increased incidence of CMS compared with subjects with Hct <60%. Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity was significantly lower in subjects with high Hct compared with the control group. The effects of supplemental oxygen or modification of the breathing pattern on autonomic function were as follows: 1) heart rate decreased significantly after both maneuvers in both groups, and 2) spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity increased significantly in subjects with high Hct and did not differ from subjects with low Hct. Temporary slow-frequency breathing may provide a beneficial effect on the autonomic cardiovascular function in high-altitude natives with CMS.     

Changes in oxygen saturation can not help diagnose acute mountain sickness(AMS): ascending to Lhasa on the Qinghai-Tibet train

Objective: Acute mountain sickness(AMS) is a common condition in individuals who ascend to altitudes over 2 500 m. There is no measurements that can reliably predict or diagnose this condition. We therefore determined whether pulse oximetry data are associated with the development of AMS and can help diagnose AMS. Methods: We studied 58 young male undergraduates who traveled from Chongqing(300 m) to Lhasa(3 658 m) by train. We collected data on the ascent profiles and AMS symptoms based on the Lake Louise Score(LLS). The resting arterial oxygen saturation(R-Sp O2) and pulse rate were then measured using finger pulse oximetry. Results: In Golmud(2 800 m) and Tanggula(5 200 m), R-SpO_2 was significantly lower in the AMS group than in the group without AMS(P0.05). However, upon arrival in Lhasa(3 658 m), the R-SpO_2 was higher in the AMS group than in the non-AMS group(P0.05). In Tanggula, the change in the SpO_2(CR-SpO_2) in the AMS group was higher than that in the non-AMS group(P0.05). But in Lhasa, the CR-SpO_2 in the AMS group was lower than that in the non-AMS group(P0.05). We also monitored heart rate(HR) throughout the study. In Xining(2 200 m) and Golmud, the HRs in the AMS group were higher than those in the non-AMS group. However, the HRs in the AMS group were lower than those in the non-AMS group in Tanggula and Lhasa. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the R-SpO_2 graph was not consistent. We can thus conclude that the utility of SpO_2 remains limited in the diagnosis of AMS. The results suggest that using pulse oximetry to diagnose AMS is not valuable in people ascending to Lhasa on the Qinghai-Tibet train.     

Successful treatment of acute mountain sickness with dexamethasone.

A double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial of treatment with dexamethasone for acute mountain sickness was performed in the Capanna "Regina Margherita" at an altitude of 4559 m in the Alps Valais. After 12-16 hours of treatment (8 mg dexamethasone initially, followed by 4 mg every six hours) the mean acute mountain sickness score decreased significantly from 5.4 to 1.3, and eight of 17 patients became totally asymptomatic. Mean arterial oxygen saturation rose from 75.5% to 82.0%, and there was a small increase in standard spirometric measurements. In the placebo group none of these variables changed significantly. It is concluded that dexamethasone may be used as emergency treatment for acute mountain sickness to facilitate safe descent to a lower altitude.     

Acute mountain sickness is not related to cerebral blood flow: a decompression chamber study.

To evaluate the pathogenetic role of cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes occurring before and during the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS), peak mean middle cerebral artery flow velocities () were assessed by transcranial Doppler sonography in 10 subjects at 490-m altitude, and during three 12-min periods immediately (SA1), 3 (SA2), and 6 (SA3) h after decompression to a simulated altitude of 4,559 m. AMS cerebral scores increased from 0. 16 +/- 0.14 at baseline to 0.44 +/- 0.31 at SA1, 1.11 +/- 0.88 at SA2 (P < 0.05), and 1.43 +/- 1.03 at SA3 (P < 0.01); correspondingly, three, seven, and eight subjects had AMS. Absolute and relative at simulated altitude, expressed as percentages of low-altitude values (%), did not correlate with AMS cerebral scores. Average % remained unchanged, because % increased in three and remained unchanged or decreased in seven subjects at SA2 and SA3. These results suggest that CBF is not important in the pathogenesis of AMS and shows substantial interindividual differences during the first hours at simulated altitude.     

The cortisol response to hypobaric hypoxia at rest and post-exercise

High altitude exposure normally leads to a marked natriuresis and diuresis. Acute mountain sickness is often associated with fluid retention, to which an elevated cortisol may contribute. Most investigators report a rise in resting cortisol with ascent, but little data exist regarding the cortisol response to a day trekking. We therefore measured salivary cortisol during ascent to > 5000 m in a cohort of between 42-45 subjects following a 6-h trek (samples taken between 15:30-16:30 h) and between 15-20 subjects at rest (morning samples taken between 08:00-09:00 h). Morning resting cortisol [nmol/l, mean±sd, (range)] was 5.5±2.9 (2.13-13.61) at 1300 m; 4.7±6.8 (1.4-27.02) at 3400 m, and significantly (p=0.002) rose between 4270 m [3.5±2.1 (1.4-8.34)] and 5150 m [14.5±30.3 (1.9-123.1)]. Post-exercise cortisol [nmol/l, mean±sd, (range)] dropped between 3400 m [7±6 (1.5-33.3)] and 4270 m [4.2±4.8 (1.4-29.5)] (p=0.001) followed by a significant rise in post-exercise cortisol between 4270 m [4.2±4.8 (1.4-29.5)] and 5 150 m [9.2±10.2 (1.4-61.3)] (p<0.001). There were no significant associations between severity of acute mountain sickness and cortisol levels. There was a significant though weak correlation between cortisol post-exercise at 5150 m and oxygen saturation at 5150 m (rho= - 0.451, p=0.004). In conclusion, this is the largest cohort to have their resting and post-exercise cortisol levels ascertained at high altitude. We confirm the previous findings of an elevated resting morning cortisol at > 5000 m, but present the novel finding that the cortisol response to a day trekking at HA appears suppressed at 4270 m.     

Simulated descent v dexamethasone in treatment of acute mountain sickness: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE--Evaluation and comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of a portable hyperbaric chamber and dexamethasone in the treatment of acute mountain sickness. DESIGN--Randomised trial during the summer mountaineering season. SETTING--High altitude research laboratory in the Capanna Regina Margherita at 4559m above sea level (Alps Valais). SUBJECTS--31 climbers with symptoms of acute mountain sickness randomly assigned to different treatments. INTERVENTIONS--One hour of treatment in the hyperbaric chamber at a pressure of 193 mbar or oral administration of 8 mg dexamethasone initially, followed by 4 mg after 6 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Symptoms of acute mountain sickness (Lake Louise score, clinical score, and AMS-C score) before one and about 11 hours after beginning the different methods of treatment. Permitted intake of mild analgesics before treatment and in the follow up period. RESULTS--After one hour of treatment compression with 193 mbar caused a significantly greater relief of symptoms of acute mountain sickness than dexamethasone (Lake Louise score: mean (SD) -4.6 (1.9) v -2.5 (1.8); clinical score: -4.0 (1.2) v -1.5 (1.4); AMS-C score: -1.24 (0.51) v -0.54 (0.59)). In contrast after about 11 hours subjects treated with dexamethasone suffered from significantly less severe acute mountain sickness than subjects treated with the hyperbaric chamber (-7.0 (3.6) v -1.6 (3.0); -4.1 (1.9) v -1.0 (1.5); -1.78 (0.73) v -0.75 (0.82) respectively). Intake of analgesics was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION--Both methods were efficient in treatment of acute mountain sickness. One hour of compression with 193 mbar in the hyperbaric chamber, corresponding to a descent of 2250 m, led to short term improvement but had no long term beneficial effect. On the other hand, treatment with dexamethasone in an oral dose of 8 mg initially followed by 4 mg every 6 hours resulted in a longer term clinical improvement. For optimal efficacy the two methods should be combined if descent or evacuation is not possible.     

血管紧张素原基因多态性与低氧习服效果的关联研究

目的：研究血管紧张素原基因（AGT） G-217A和T174M两个位点的多态性与急性高原反应（AMS）的发生及其低氧习服效果的关系。方法：阶段1：61名北方汉族大学生,在低氧室急性低氧暴露6 h（模拟海拔4 800 m）,入室后先安静休息30 min,再仰卧蹬车20 min,蹬车负荷定量为60 r/min、80 W,用路易斯湖评分系统（LLS）评价AMS,并记录运动过程中HR、动态血压、SpO₂等生理指标的值;阶段2：进行3周模拟低氧训练,氧含量分别相当于海拔2 500 m、3 500 m、4 800 m,同时以中等强度负荷量运动,2 h/d、4 d/周。3周后,再以阶段1的试验条件测试相应指标;采用PCR-RFLP法检测受试者AGT基因G-217A和T174M位点的基因型和等位基因频率。结果：第1次低氧暴露,在AGT基因的G-217A位点上,GG与GA+AA基因型受试者的各项生理指标无显著性差异;第2次低氧暴露,GG基因型受试者的SpO₂明显低于GA+AA基因型（P<0.05）;T174M位点的不同基因型和等位基因携带者在2次暴露中其AMS发生率、VE、SpO₂、HR和血压等生理指标均无显著性差异。结论：G-217A位点可能是低氧习服的遗传学标记;T174M位点的多态性与AMS的发生及低氧习服未见明显关联。     

Atrial natriuretic peptide in acute mountain sickness

To test the hypothesis that elevated atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) may be involved in altered fluid homeostasis at high altitude, we examined 25 mountaineers at an altitude of 550 m and 6, 18, and 42 h after arrival at an altitude of 4,559 m, which was climbed in 24 h starting from 3,220 m. In 14 subjects, symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) were absent or mild (group A), whereas 11 subjects had severe AMS (group B). Fluid intake was similar in both groups. In group B, urine flow decreased from 61 +/- 8 (base line) to 36 +/- 3 (SE) ml/h (maximal decrease) (P less than 0.05) and sodium excretion from 7.9 +/- 0.9 to 4.6 +/- 0.7) mmol.l-1.h-1 (P less than 0.05); ANP increased from 31 +/- 4 to 87 +/- 26 pmol/l (P less than 0.001), plasma aldosterone from 191 +/- 27 to 283 +/- 55 pmol/l (P less than 0.01 compared with group A), and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from 1.0 +/- 0.1 to 2.9 +/- 1.2 pmol/l (P = 0.08 compared with group A). These variables did not change significantly in group A, with the exception of a decrease in plasma aldosterone from 189 +/- 19 to 111 +/- 17 pmol/l (P less than 0.01). There were no measurable effects of elevated ANP on natriuresis, cortisol, or blood pressure. The reduced diuresis in AMS may be explained by increased plasma aldosterone and ADH overriding the expected renal action of ANP. The significance of elevated ANP in AMS remains to be established.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Acetazolamide in prevention of acute mountain sickness: a double-blind controlled cross-over study.

Twenty-four amateur climbers took part in a double-blind controlled cross-over trial of acetazolamide versus placebo for the prevention of acute mountain sickness. They climbed Kilimanjaro (5895 m) and Mt Kenya (5186 m) in three weeks with five rest days between ascents. The severity of acute mountain sickness was gauged by a score derived from symptoms recorded daily by each subject. On kilimanjaro those taking acetazolamide reached a higher altitude (11 v 4 reached the summit) and had a lower symptom score than those taking placebo (mean 4.8 v 14.3). Those who had taken acetazolamide on Kilimanjaro maintained their low symptom scores while taking placebo on Mt Kenya (mean score 1.9), whereas those who had taken placebo on Kilimanjaro experienced a pronounced improvement when they took acetazolamide on Mt Kenya (mean score 2.5). Acute mountain sickness prevented one subject for completing either ascent. Acetazolamide was acceptable to 23 of the 24 subjects. Acetazolamide is recommended as an acceptable and effective prophylactic for acute mountain sickness.