[Analysis of 3,184 cases with acute mountain sickness complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome]

To investigate and analyze the probability of acute mountain sickness (AMS) [including high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)] complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and its pathogenetic mechanisms.

Questionnaire survey was made to retrospectively study the hospitalization cases in the past 50 years, and the incidence of high-altitude MODS (H-MODS) were statistically analyzed to determine the main causes and pathogenic mechanism of MODS.

Among 3 184 cases with severe AMS, 83 cases conformed to the diagnostic criteria of diagnosis of H-MODS, and the incidence was 2.6%. The pathogenesis of acute H-MODS might be related to the activation of inflammation pathways, activation of blood clotting pathways and the damage to gastrointestinal mucosa barrier. Therefore, improving the diagnosis and the treatment effects of H-MODS is an important measure to increase cure rate of AMS and to decrease its death rate.

AMS complicated by multiple organ damage (MOD) is the main factor that influences the therapeutic efficacy. Prompt effective remedy on the spot is a significant measure to reduce incidence of MOD.