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Moleti A, Minniti T, Sharma Y, Russo A, Civiero A, Orlando MP, MacGregor R, Lucertini M, D'Amico A, Pennazza G, Santonico M, Zompanti A, Crisafi A, Deffacis M, Sapone R, Mascetti G, Vadrucci M, Valentini G, Castagnolo D, Botti T, Cerini L, Sanjust F, Sisto R. Otoacoustic Estimate of Astronauts' Intracranial Pressure Changes During Spaceflight. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2024:10.1007/s10162-024-00962-1. [PMID: 39271581 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-024-00962-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the potential correlation between prolonged exposure to microgravity on the International Space Station and increased intracranial fluid pressure, which is considered a risk factor for the astronauts' vision, and to explore the feasibility of using distortion product otoacoustic emissions as a non-invasive in-flight monitor for intracranial pressure changes. METHODS Distortion product otoacoustic emission phase measurements were taken from both ears of five astronauts pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight. These measurements served as indirect indicators of intracranial pressure changes, given their high sensitivity to middle ear transmission alterations. The baseline pre-flight ground measurements were taken in the seated upright position. RESULTS In-flight measurements revealed a significant systematic increase in otoacoustic phase, indicating elevated intracranial pressure during spaceflight compared to seated upright pre-flight ground baseline. Noteworthy, in two astronauts, strong agreement was also observed between the time course of the phase changes measured in the two ears during and after the mission. Reproducibility and stability of the probe placement in the ear canal were recognized as a critical issue. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests that distortion product otoacoustic emissions hold promise as a non-invasive tool for monitoring intracranial pressure changes in astronauts during space missions. Pre-flight measurements in different body postures and probe fitting strategies based on the individual ear morphology are needed to validate and refine this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Moleti
- Department of Physics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Yoshita Sharma
- Department of Physics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Altea Russo
- Department of Physics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Robert MacGregor
- Airbus US Space and Defense, Inc. and, NASA Johnson Space Center , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marco Lucertini
- Italian Air Force-Aerospace Medicine Dept., Experimental Aerospace Division, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo D'Amico
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Teresa Botti
- INAIL Research, DIMEILA, Monte Porzio Catone (Rome), Italy
| | - Luigi Cerini
- INAIL Research, DIMEILA, Monte Porzio Catone (Rome), Italy
| | | | - Renata Sisto
- INAIL Research, DIMEILA, Monte Porzio Catone (Rome), Italy
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Saehle T. Cerebral Hemodynamics During Exposure to Hypergravity (+G z) or Microgravity (0 G). Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2022; 93:581-592. [DOI: 10.3357/amhp.6008.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Optimal human performance and health is dependent on steady blood supply to the brain. Hypergravity (+Gz) may impair cerebral blood flow (CBF), and several investigators have also reported that microgravity (0 G) may influence cerebral hemodynamics. This
has led to concerns for safe performance during acceleration maneuvers in aviation or the impact long-duration spaceflights may have on astronaut health.METHODS: A systematic PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome) search was done in PubMed and Web of Science, addressing studies on
how elevated +Gz forces or absence of such may impact cerebral hemodynamics. All primary research containing anatomical or physiological data on relevant intracranial parameters were included. Quality of the evidence was analyzed using the GRADE tool.RESULTS: The search
revealed 92 eligible articles. It is evident that impaired CBF during +Gz acceleration remains an important challenge in aviation, but there are significant variations in individual tolerance. The reports on cerebral hemodynamics during weightlessness are inconsistent, but published
data indicate that adaptation to sustained microgravity is also characterized by significant variations among individuals.DISCUSSION: Despite a high number of publications, the quality of evidence is limited due to observational study design, too few included subjects, and methodological
challenges. Clinical consequences of high +Gz exposure are well described, but there are significant gaps in knowledge regarding the intracranial pathophysiology and individual hemodynamic tolerance to both hypergravity and microgravity environments.Saehle T. Cerebral
hemodynamics during exposure to hypergravity (+Gz) or microgravity (0 G). Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(7):581–592.
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Martin Paez Y, Mudie LI, Subramanian PS. Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS): A Systematic Review and Future Directions. Eye Brain 2020; 12:105-117. [PMID: 33117025 PMCID: PMC7585261 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s234076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To present a systematic review of the current body of literature surrounding spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) and highlight priorities for future research. Methods Three major biomedical databases were searched with the following terms: ((neuro ocular) OR ((brain) AND (eye))) AND ((spaceflight) OR (astronaut) OR (microgravity)) AND (ENGLISH[Language]). Once duplicates were removed, 283 papers were left. Articles were excluded if they were not written in English or conference abstracts only. We avoided including review papers which did not provide any new information; however, two reviews on the pathophysiology of SANS were included for completeness. No limitations on date of publication were used. All included entries were then summarized for their contribution to knowledge about SANS. Results Four main themes among the publications emerged: papers defining the clinical entity of SANS, its pathophysiology, technology used to study SANS, and publications on possible prevention of SANS. The key clinical features of SANS include optic nerve head elevation, hyperopic shifts, globe flattening, choroidal folds, and increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume in optic nerve sheaths. Two main hypotheses are proposed for the pathophysiology of SANS. The first being elevated intracranial pressure and the second compartmentalization of CSF to the globe. These hypotheses are not mutually exclusive, and our understanding of the pathophysiology of SANS is still evolving. The use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) has greatly furthered our knowledge about SANS, and with the deployment of OCT to the International Space Station, we now have ability to collect intraflight data. No effective prevention for SANS has been found, although fortunately, even with persistent anatomic and physiologic neuro-ocular changes, any functional impact has been correctable with spectacles. Conclusion This is the first systematic review of SANS. Despite the limitations of studying a syndrome that can only occur in a small, discrete population, we present a thorough overview of the literature surrounding SANS and several key areas important for future research are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosbelkys Martin Paez
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers/UCHealth Eye Center and Departments of Ophthalmology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Lucy I Mudie
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers/UCHealth Eye Center and Departments of Ophthalmology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Prem S Subramanian
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers/UCHealth Eye Center and Departments of Ophthalmology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.,Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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