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Related Experiment Videos

Nifedipine does not prevent acute mountain sickness

E Hohenhaus1, F Niroomand, S Goerre

  • 1Department of Sports Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Germany.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|September 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
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Nifedipine effectively treats high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), but this study found it does not prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS) in individuals not susceptible to HAPE. Lowering pulmonary artery pressure did not improve symptoms or gas exchange.

Area of Science:

  • High-altitude medicine
  • Cardiovascular physiology
  • Pulmonary medicine

Background:

  • High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and acute mountain sickness (AMS) may share underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
  • Nifedipine is an established treatment for HAPE.
  • The prophylactic efficacy of nifedipine for AMS in non-HAPE-susceptible individuals is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prophylactic effect of nifedipine on the development of AMS.
  • To assess the impact of nifedipine on gas exchange and pulmonary artery pressures during rapid ascent to high altitude.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized trial involving 27 mountaineers not susceptible to HAPE.
  • Participants received either nifedipine or a placebo during ascent to 4559 m and a three-day stay.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) were estimated using Doppler echocardiography; gas exchange parameters were monitored.

    • Main Results:

    • Nine of 14 subjects on nifedipine and eight of 13 on placebo reported illness (AMS symptoms).
    • Nifedipine significantly reduced PAP compared to placebo.
    • No significant differences in arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), oxygen saturation (SpO2), or alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient were observed between groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Lowering PAP with nifedipine does not improve gas exchange or alleviate AMS symptoms in individuals not predisposed to HAPE.
    • Nifedipine is not recommended for the prevention of AMS.
    • The use of nifedipine in high-altitude medicine should be restricted to the prevention and treatment of HAPE.