The BMRES 1984 Medical Research Expedition to the Himalayas

Twenty-one subjects formed a trekking expedition to study the effects of acetazolamide on exercise performance and acclimatization at high altitude. Subjects were randomized to acetazolamide or placebo on a double blind basis. During ascent to and stay for 6 nights at 4846 m studies were carried out on blood gases, 2,3 diphosphoglycerate (2,3 DPG), proteinuria, exercise testing, intestinal absorption, purine metabolism and changes in body composition. The results showed beneficial effects of acetazolamide on exercise performance and preservation of muscle mass.