[Pulmonary edema of high altitude in childhood. Study of 7 cases]

The study comprised seven children between 6-12 years admitted to Hospital Infantil "Lorencita Villegas de Santos" with progressive respiratory distress attended with cyanosis consistent with pulmonary edema. In all patients there was a previous history of a sudden change in altitude from sea level to 2,600 m. Changes consistent with pulmonary edema were made evident at the X-rays studies. The electrocardiogram showed right ventricular overload. No significant changes were found at the blood picture. All patients were treated with oxygen and rest; relief was attained within 72 hours.