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Positive end expiratory pressure as a method for preventing acute mountain sickness
G Savourey1, R Caterini, J C Launay
1Unite de Thermophysiologie, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées Emile Pardé, La Tronche, France.
European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology
|February 12, 1998
Summary
Positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) may help prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS). This study found lower AMS scores and prevalence in subjects receiving PEEP during simulated high-altitude exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Altitude Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common condition at high altitudes.
- Preventive strategies for AMS are crucial for individuals exposed to hypobaric hypoxia.
- Positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a ventilatory technique that may influence physiological responses to hypoxia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of 5-cm H2O PEEP in preventing acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- To evaluate the impact of PEEP on AMS symptoms and physiological parameters during simulated high-altitude exposure.
Main Methods:
- 22 subjects were exposed to 8-hour hypobaric hypoxia (4500 m) with and without 5-cm H2O PEEP.
- AMS was assessed using the Lake Louise system (self-report and clinical assessment).
- Oxygen saturation (SO2), heart rate, and arterial blood gases were measured.
Main Results:
- PEEP significantly decreased AMS scores (1.50 vs 3.23, P < 0.01) and prevalence (23% vs 55%, P < 0.01).
- A smaller increase in arterial pH was observed with PEEP, indicating less respiratory alkalosis.
- Heart rate showed a significant increase with PEEP (P < 0.05), while SO2, PaO2, and PaCO2 remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- A 5-cm H2O PEEP may effectively reduce AMS symptoms and prevalence during short-term hypobaric hypoxia exposure.
- PEEP appears to mitigate respiratory alkalosis at high altitude.
- This PEEP application shows potential as a non-adverse method for AMS prevention in experimental settings.