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Simulated airplane flight increases plasma lactate in fetal rabbits
B Schumacher1, G L Olson, G R Saade
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Summary
Simulated airplane cabin conditions, combining reduced oxygen and lower pressure, significantly increased fetal lactate levels in pregnant rabbits. This indicates potential risks of fetal lactic acidosis during air travel.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal physiology
- Environmental medicine
- Fetal health
Background:
- Airplane cabin environments simulate reduced oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure at altitude.
- Understanding fetal responses to these conditions is crucial for assessing risks during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of simulated airplane cabin conditions on fetal plasma lactate levels in near-term pregnant rabbits.
- To differentiate the effects of altitude-induced hypoxia from reduced atmospheric pressure.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant rabbits were exposed to simulated airplane cabin conditions (altitude/hypoxia) for 9 hours.
- Control groups experienced normobaric normoxia, altitude with normoxia, or sea-level hypoxia.
- Fetal plasma lactate was measured via ultrasound-guided blood sampling.
Main Results:
- Fetal plasma lactate was significantly higher in the simulated airplane cabin group (altitude/hypoxia) compared to all control groups.
- Fetal lactic acidemia was observed under simulated airplane cabin conditions.
- Maternal lactate levels decreased post-fetal sampling.
Conclusions:
- Simulated airplane cabin conditions induce fetal lactic acidemia in rabbits.
- The combined effects of hypoxia and reduced barometric pressure contribute to increased fetal lactate.
- These findings highlight potential fetal risks associated with air travel during pregnancy.
