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Titz A, Hoyos R, Ulrich S. Pulmonary vascular diseases at high altitude - is it safe to live in the mountains? Curr Opin Pulm Med 2024; 30:459-463. [PMID: 39036990 PMCID: PMC11343446 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000001092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review addresses the concern of the health effects associated with high-altitude living and chronic hypoxia with a focus on pulmonary hypertension. With an increasing global population residing at high altitudes, understanding these effects is crucial for public health interventions and clinical management. RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature on the long-term effects of high-altitude residence and chronic hypoxia is comprehensively summarized. Key themes include the mechanisms of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, the development of pulmonary hypertension, and challenges in distinguishing altitude-related pulmonary hypertension and classical pulmonary vascular diseases, as found at a low altitude. SUMMARY The findings emphasize the need for research in high-altitude communities to unravel the risks of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular diseases. Clinically, early and tailored management for symptomatic individuals residing at high altitudes are crucial, as well as access to advanced therapies as proposed by guidelines for pulmonary vascular disease. Moreover, identifying gaps in knowledge underscores the necessity for continued research to improve understanding and clinical outcomes in high-altitude pulmonary vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Silvia Ulrich
- University Hospital of Zurich
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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Hoyos R, Lichtblau M, Cajamarca E, Mayer L, Schwarz EI, Ulrich S. Characteristics and risk profiles of patients with pulmonary arterial or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension living permanently at >2500 m of high altitude in Ecuador. Pulm Circ 2024; 14:e12404. [PMID: 38974936 PMCID: PMC11224915 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Over 80 Mio people worldwide live >2500 m, including at least as many patients with pulmonary vascular disease (PVD), defined as pulmonary arterial or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (PAH/CTEPH), as elsewhere (estimated 0.1‰). Whether PVD patients living at high altitude have altered disease characteristics due to hypobaric hypoxia is unknown. In a cross-sectional study conducted at the Hospital Carlos Andrade Marin in Quito, Ecuador, located at 2840 m, we included 36 outpatients with PAH or CTEPH visiting the clinic from January 2022 to July 2023. We collected data on diagnostic right heart catheterization, treatment, and risk factors, including NYHA functional class (FC), 6-min walk distance (6MWD), and NT-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) at baseline and at last follow-up. Thirty-six PVD patients (83% women, 32 PAH, 4 CTEPH, mean ± SD age 44 ± 13 years, living altitude 2831 ± 58 m) were included and had the following baseline values: PaO2 8.2 ± 1.6 kPa, PaCO2 3.9 ± 0.5 kPa, SaO2 91 ± 3%, mean pulmonary artery pressure 53 ± 16 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance 16 ± 4 WU, 50% FC II, 50% FC III, 6MWD 472 ± 118 m, BNP 490 ± 823 ng/L. Patients were treated for 1628 ± 1186 days with sildenafil (100%), bosentan (33%), calcium channel blockers (33%), diuretics (69%), and oxygen (nocturnal 53%, daytime 11%). Values at last visit were: FC (II 75%, III 25%), 6MWD of 496 ± 108 m, BNP of 576 ± 5774 ng/L. Compared to European PVD registries, ambulatory PVD patients living >2500 m revealed similar blood gases and relatively low and stable risk factor profiles despite severe hemodynamic compromise, suggesting that favorable outcomes are achievable for altitude residents with PVD. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes in PVD patients dwelling >2500 m.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mona Lichtblau
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Laura Mayer
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Silvia Ulrich
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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3
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Aguirre-Franco C, Torres-Duque CA, Salazar G, Casas A, Jaramillo C, Gonzalez-Garcia M. Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients living at high altitude. Pulmonology 2024; 30:247-253. [PMID: 35151623 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with poor prognosis for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Most of the knowledge about PH in COPD has been generated at sea level, with limited information associated with high altitude (HA). OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence and severity of PH in COPD patients living in a HA city (2,640 m). METHODS Cross-sectional study in COPD patients with forced expiratory volume in the first second / forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) post-bronchodilator <0,7. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), spirometry, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, and arterial blood gasses tests were performed. Patients were classified according to the severity of airflow limitation. PH was defined by TTE as an estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) > 36 mmHg or indirect PH signs; severe PH as sPAP > 60 mmHg; and disproportionate PH as an sPAP > 60 mmHg with non-severe airflow limitation (FEV1 > 50% predicted). RESULTS We included 176 COPD patients. The overall estimated prevalence of PH was 56.3% and the likelihood of having PH increased according to airflow-limitation severity: mild (31.6%), moderate (54.9%), severe (59.6%) and very severe (77.8%) (p = 0.038). The PH was severe in 7.3% and disproportionate in 3.4% of patients. CONCLUSIONS The estimated prevalence of PH in patients with COPD at HA is high, particularly in patients with mild to moderate airflow limitation, and greater than that described for COPD patients at low altitude. These results suggest a higher risk of developing PH for COPD patients living at HA compared to COPD patients with similar airflow limitation living at low altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Aguirre-Franco
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana. Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad de La Sabana. Chía, Colombia.
| | - C A Torres-Duque
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana. Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad de La Sabana. Chía, Colombia
| | - G Salazar
- Fundación Cardioinfantil - Instituto de Cardiología. Bogotá, Colombia
| | - A Casas
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana. Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad de La Sabana. Chía, Colombia
| | - C Jaramillo
- Universidad de La Sabana. Chía, Colombia; Fundación Clínica Shaio. Bogotá, Colombia
| | - M Gonzalez-Garcia
- Fundación Neumológica Colombiana. Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad de La Sabana. Chía, Colombia
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Toktogulova N, Breidert M, Eschbach J, Kudaibergenova I, Omurzakova U, Uvaidillaeva F, Tagaeva B, Sultanalieva R, Eftekhari P. Energy Metabolism in Residents in the Low- and Moderate Altitude Regions of Central Asia with MAFLD and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Horm Metab Res 2024; 56:294-299. [PMID: 38373717 DOI: 10.1055/a-2256-6358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The knowledge about the features of energy metabolism in MAFLD in the population living at different climatic and geographic heights is lacking. The goal of this study is to explore the biochemical parameters of blood and erythrocyte energy consumption in patients with MAFLD with and without DM2 living in the low- and moderate-altitude regions of Central Asia. Our study was carried out on patients living in low-altitude mountains: Bishkek, altitude=750-800 m; n=67 (MAFLD with DM 2: n=24; MAFLD without DM2: n=25; control: n=18), and At-Bashy District, Naryn Region, altitude=2046-2300 m; n=58 (MAFLD with DM2: n=28; MAFLD without DM2: n=18; control: n=12). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed according to history, laboratory tests, liver ultrasound, and exclusion of other liver diseases. The level of liver fibrosis was determined using the FIB-4 score. Blood adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) was determined using the CellTiter-Glo method. Healthy residents living in moderate altitudes have significantly higher levels of cytosolic ATP in their blood (p+≤+0.05) than residents living in low mountains. MAFLD is characterized by an increase in the level of ATP concentration in their blood. ATP concentration decreased significantly in patients with MAFLD with DM2 living in moderate-altitude in comparison to those living in low-altitude mountains. The results suggest that chronic altitude hypoxia leads to a breakdown in adaptive mechanisms of energy metabolism of ATP in patients with MAFLD with type 2 DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurgul Toktogulova
- Hospital Therapy, IK Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy Faculty of General Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | | | - Judith Eschbach
- Inoviem Scientific Research, Inoviem Scientific SAS, Illkirch, France
| | - Indira Kudaibergenova
- Kyrgyz State Medical Institute of Post-Graduate Training and Advanced Training named after S B Daniyarov, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Uulkan Omurzakova
- Hospital Therapy, IK Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy Faculty of General Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Feruzakhan Uvaidillaeva
- Hospital Therapy, IK Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy Faculty of General Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Bermet Tagaeva
- Hospital Therapy, IK Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy Faculty of General Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Roza Sultanalieva
- Therapy1, Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University named after B N Yeltsin, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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Patrician A, Anholm JD, Ainslie PN. A narrative review of periodic breathing during sleep at high altitude: From acclimatizing lowlanders to adapted highlanders. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38534039 DOI: 10.1113/jp285427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Periodic breathing during sleep at high altitude is almost universal among sojourners. Here, in the context of acclimatization and adaptation, we provide a contemporary review on periodic breathing at high altitude, and explore whether this is an adaptive or maladaptive process. The mechanism(s), prevalence and role of periodic breathing in acclimatized lowlanders at high altitude are contrasted with the available data from adapted indigenous populations (e.g. Andean and Tibetan highlanders). It is concluded that (1) periodic breathing persists with acclimatization in lowlanders and the severity is proportional to sleeping altitude; (2) periodic breathing does not seem to coalesce with poor sleep quality such that, with acclimatization, there appears to be a lengthening of cycle length and minimal impact on the average sleeping oxygen saturation; and (3) high altitude adapted highlanders appear to demonstrate a blunting of periodic breathing, compared to lowlanders, comprising a feature that withstands the negative influences of chronic mountain sickness. These observations indicate that periodic breathing persists with high altitude acclimatization with no obvious negative consequences; however, periodic breathing is attenuated with high altitude adaptation and therefore potentially reflects an adaptive trait to this environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Patrician
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - James D Anholm
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Grimm M, Seglias A, Ziegler L, Mademilov M, Isaeva E, Tynybekov K, Tilebalieva A, Osmonbaeva N, Furian M, Sooronbaev TM, Ulrich S, Bloch KE. Sleep apnea in school-age children living at high altitude. Pulmonology 2023; 29:385-391. [PMID: 36964122 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among adults, sleep apnea is more common in highlanders than in lowlanders. We evaluated the sleep apnea prevalence in children living at high altitude compared to age-matched low-altitude controls. METHODS Healthy children, 7-14 y of age, living at 2500-3800m in the Tien Shan mountains, Kyrgyzstan, were prospectively studied in a health post at 3250m. Healthy controls of similar age living at 700-800m were studied in a University Hospital at 760m in Bishkek. Assessments included respiratory sleep studies scored according to pediatric standards, clinical examination, medical history, and the pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ, range 0 to 1 with increasing symptoms). RESULTS In children living at high altitude (n = 37, 17 girls, median [quartiles] age 10.8y [9.6;13.0]), sleep studies revealed: mean nocturnal pulse oximetry 90% (89;91), oxygen desaturation index (ODI, >3% dips in pulse oximetry) 4.3/h (2.5;6.7), apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) total 1.7/h (1.0;3.6), central 1.6/h (1.0;3.3), PSQ 0.27 (0.18;0.45). In low-altitude controls (n=41, 17 girls, age 11.6y [9.5;13.0], between-groups comparison of age P=0.69) sleep studies revealed: pulse oximetry 97% (96;97), ODI 0.7/h (0.2;1.2), AHI total 0.4/h (0.1;1.0), central 0.3/h (0.1;0.7), PSQ 0.18 (0.14;0.31); P<0.05, all corresponding between-group comparisons. CONCLUSIONS In school-age children living at high altitude, nocturnal oxygen saturation was lower, and the total and central AHI were higher compared to children living at low altitude. The greater score of sleep symptoms in children residing at high altitude suggests a potential clinical relevance of the nocturnal hypoxemia and subtle sleep-related breathing disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grimm
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - A Seglias
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - L Ziegler
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - M Mademilov
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - E Isaeva
- National Center of Maternity and Childhood Care, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - K Tynybekov
- National Center of Maternity and Childhood Care, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - A Tilebalieva
- National Center of Maternity and Childhood Care, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - N Osmonbaeva
- National Center of Maternity and Childhood Care, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - M Furian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - T M Sooronbaev
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - S Ulrich
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - K E Bloch
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
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Ardura-Garcia C, Kainz K, Mallet MC, Petrarca L, Rodman Berlot J, Slaats M, Streibel C, Vijverberg S, Williams EE, Goutaki M, Gray DM, Lavizzari A, Morty RE, Proesmans M, Schramm D, Stahl M, Zacharasiewicz A, Moeller A, Pijnenburg MW. ERS International Congress 2022: highlights from the Paediatrics Assembly. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00653-2022. [PMID: 37228264 PMCID: PMC10204827 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00653-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This review has been prepared by the Early Career Members and Chairs of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Assembly 7: Paediatrics. We here summarise the highlights of the advances in paediatric respiratory research presented at the ERS International Congress 2022. The eight scientific groups of this Assembly cover a wide range of research areas, including respiratory physiology and sleep, asthma and allergy, cystic fibrosis (CF), respiratory infection and immunology, neonatology and intensive care, respiratory epidemiology, bronchology, and lung and airway developmental biology. Specifically, we report on abstracts presented at the congress on the effect of high altitude on sleep, sleep disorders, the hypoxic challenge test, and measurements of ventilation inhomogeneity. We discuss prevention of preschool wheeze and asthma, and new asthma medications. In children with CF, we describe how to monitor the effect of CF transmembrane conductance regulator modulator therapy. We present respiratory manifestations and chronic lung disease associated with common variable immunodeficiency. Furthermore, we discuss how to monitor respiratory function in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units. In respiratory epidemiology, we present the latest news from population-based and clinical cohort studies. We also focus on innovative and interventional procedures for the paediatric airway, such as cryotherapy. Finally, we stress the importance of better understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal lung development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katharina Kainz
- Klinik Ottakring, Wilhelminen Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Christina Mallet
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laura Petrarca
- Translational and Precision Medicine Department, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences Department, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jasna Rodman Berlot
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Monique Slaats
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC – Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carmen Streibel
- Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Vijverberg
- Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pediatric Pulmonology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emma E. Williams
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Myrofora Goutaki
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Children's University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Diane M. Gray
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna Lavizzari
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Rory E. Morty
- Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Translational Pulmonology and the Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marijke Proesmans
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Pulmonology, University Hospital of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Schramm
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mirjam Stahl
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZL, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Zacharasiewicz
- Klinik Ottakring, Wilhelminen Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Moeller
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mariëlle W. Pijnenburg
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Erasmus MC – Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Wei Y, Giunta S, Xia S. Hypoxia in Aging and Aging-Related Diseases: Mechanism and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8165. [PMID: 35897741 PMCID: PMC9330578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As the global aging process continues to lengthen, aging-related diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure) continue to plague the elderly population. Aging is a complex biological process involving multiple tissues and organs and is involved in the development and progression of multiple aging-related diseases. At the same time, some of these aging-related diseases are often accompanied by hypoxia, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and the increased secretion of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Hypoxia seems to play an important role in the process of inflammation and aging, but is often neglected in advanced clinical research studies. Therefore, we have attempted to elucidate the role played by different degrees and types of hypoxia in aging and aging-related diseases and their possible pathways, and propose rational treatment options based on such mechanisms for reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Wei
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200000, China;
| | - Sergio Giunta
- Casa di Cura Prof. Nobili–GHC Garofalo Health Care, 40035 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Shijin Xia
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200000, China;
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9
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Tan L, Li T, Luo L, Xue X, Lei F, Ren R, Zhang Y, He J, Bloch KE, Tang X. The Characteristics of Sleep Apnea in Tibetans and Han Long-Term High Altitude Residents. Nat Sci Sleep 2022; 14:1533-1544. [PMID: 36072275 PMCID: PMC9444001 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s371388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common both at low and high altitude. Since adaptations to high altitude and respiratory control may differ among Tibetans and Hans, we compared characteristics of sleep-disordered breathing in the two ethnic groups at high altitude. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a prospective observational study including 86 Tibetan and Han long-term (>5 years) high altitude residents with chief complaints of snoring and/or witnessed apnea underwent clinical evaluation and polysomnography at 3200 meters in Shangri-La, China. RESULTS In 42 Tibetans, 38 men, median (quartiles) age was 50.0 (41.0; 56.0)y, total apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) 53.9 (32.0; 77.5)/h, obstructive AHI 51.0 (28.0; 72.2)/h and central AHI 1.5 (0.2; 3.1)/h. In 44 Hans, 32 men, median (quartiles) age was 47.0 (43.5; 51.0)y, total AHI 22.2 (12.8; 39.2)/h, obstructive AHI 17.7 (12.0; 33.0)/h and central AHI 2.4 (0.5; 3.4)/h (p < 0.001 total and obstructive AHI vs Tibetans). In Tibetans, mean nocturnal oxygen saturation was lower [median 85.0 (83.0; 88.0)% vs 88.5 (87.0; 90.0)%] and obstructive apnea and hypopnea duration was longer [22.0 (19.6; 24.8) sec vs 18.3 (16.7; 20.6) sec] than in Hans (all p < 0.001). In regression analysis, Tibetan ethnicity, neck circumference and high-altitude living duration were the predictors of total AHI. We also found that with every 10/h increase in total AHI, there were an approximately 0.9 beat/min and 0.8 beat/min increase in mean heart rate during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep and 1.9 mmHg and 2.0 mmHg increase in evening and morning systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that Tibetans presented more severe obstructive sleep apnea, hypoxemia and longer apnea duration compared to Hans at 3200 meters, which was correlated with higher heart rate and blood pressure suggesting a greater cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tan
- Sleep Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Taomei Li
- Sleep Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lian Luo
- Sleep Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofang Xue
- Department of Emergency, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefectural People's Hospital, Shangri-La, People's Republic of China.,Department of Intensive Care Unit, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefectural People's Hospital, Shangri-La, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Lei
- Sleep Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Ren
- Sleep Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaming He
- Department of Emergency, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefectural People's Hospital, Shangri-La, People's Republic of China.,Department of Intensive Care Unit, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefectural People's Hospital, Shangri-La, People's Republic of China
| | - Konrad E Bloch
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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10
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Forrer A, Scheiwiller PM, Mademilov M, Lichtblau M, Sheraliev U, Marazhapov NH, Saxer S, Bader P, Appenzeller P, Aydaralieva S, Muratbekova A, Sooronbaev TM, Ulrich S, Bloch KE, Furian M. Exercise Performance in Central Asian Highlanders: A Cross-Sectional Study. High Alt Med Biol 2021; 22:386-394. [PMID: 34432548 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2020.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Forrer, Aglaia, Philipp M. Scheiwiller, Maamed Mademilov, Mona Lichtblau, Ulan Sheraliev, Nuriddin H. Marazhapov, Stéphanie Saxer, Patrick Bader, Paula Appenzeller, Shoira Aydaralieva, Aybermet Muratbekova, Talant M. Sooronbaev, Silvia Ulrich, Konrad E. Bloch, and Michael Furian. Exercise performance in central Asian highlanders: A cross-sectional study. High Alt Med Biol. 00:000-000, 2021. Introduction: Life-long exposure to hypobaric hypoxia induces physiologic adaptations in highlanders that may modify exercise performance; however, reference data for altitude populations are scant. Methods: Life-long residents of the Tien Shan mountain range, 2,500 - 3,500 m, Kyrgyzstan, free of cardiopulmonary disease, underwent cardiopulmonary cycle exercise tests with a progressive ramp protocol to exhaustion at 3,250 m. ECG, breath-by-breath pulmonary gas exchange, and oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) were measured. Results: Among 81 highlanders, age (mean ± SD) 48 ± 10 years, 46% women, SpO2 at rest was 88% ± 2%, peak oxygen uptake (V'O2peak) was 21.6 ± 5.9 mL/kg/min (76% ± 15% predicted for a low-altitude reference population); peak work rate (Wpeak) was 117 ± 37 W (77% ± 17% predicted), SpO2 at peak was 84% ± 5%, heart rate reserve (220 - age - maximal heart rate) was 28 ± 17/min, ventilatory reserve (maximal voluntary ventilation - maximal minute ventilation) was 68 ± 32 l/min, and respiratory exchange ratio was 1.03 ± 0.09. Peak BORG-CR10 dyspnea and leg fatigue scores were 5.1 ± 2.0 and 6.3 ± 2.1. In multivariable linear regression analyses, age and sex were robust determinants of Wpeak, V'O2peak, and metabolic equivalent (MET) at peak, whereas body mass index, resting systolic blood pressure, and mean pulmonary artery pressure were not. Conclusions: The current study shows that V'O2peak and Wpeak of highlanders studied at 3,250 m, near their altitude of residence, were reduced by about one quarter compared with mean predicted values for lowlanders. The provided prediction models for V'O2peak, Wpeak, and METs in central Asian highlanders might be valuable for comparisons with other high altitude populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aglaia Forrer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Philipp M Scheiwiller
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Maamed Mademilov
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Mona Lichtblau
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Ulan Sheraliev
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Nuriddin H Marazhapov
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Stéphanie Saxer
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Patrick Bader
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Paula Appenzeller
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Shoira Aydaralieva
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Aybermet Muratbekova
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Talant M Sooronbaev
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Silvia Ulrich
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Konrad E Bloch
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Michael Furian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
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11
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Furian M, Latshang TD, Aeschbacher SS, Sheraliev U, Marazhapov NH, Mirrakhimov E, Ulrich S, Sooronbaev TM, Bloch KE. Markers of cardiovascular risk and their reversibility with acute oxygen therapy in Kyrgyz highlanders with high altitude pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonology 2021; 27:394-402. [PMID: 33674243 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH), a chronic altitude related illness, is associated with hypoxemia, dyspnea and reduced exercise performance. We evaluated ECG and pulse wave-derived markers of cardiovascular risk in highlanders with HAPH (HAPH+) in comparison to healthy highlanders (HH) and lowlanders (LL) and the effects of hyperoxia. METHODS We studied 34 HAPH+ and 54 HH at Aksay (3250m), and 34 LL at Bishkek (760m), Kyrgyzstan. Mean pulmonary artery pressure by echocardiography was mean±SD 34±3, 22±5, 16±4mmHg, respectively (p<0.05 all comparisons). During quiet rest, breathing room air or oxygen in randomized order, we measured heart-rate adjusted QT interval (QTc), an ECG-derived marker of increased cardiovascular mortality, and arterial stiffness index (SI), a marker of cardiovascular disease derived from pulse oximetry plethysmograms. RESULTS Pulse oximetry in HAPH+, HH and LL was, mean±SD, 88±4, 92±2 and 95±2%, respectively (p<0.05 vs HAPH+, both comparisons). QTc in HAPH+, HH and LL was 422±24, 405±27, 400±28ms (p<0.05 HAPH+ vs. others); corresponding SI was 10.5±1.9, 8.4±2.6, 8.5±2.0m/s, heart rate was 75±8, 68±8, 70±10 bpm (p<0.05, corresponding comparisons HAPH+ vs. others). In regression analysis, HAPH+ was an independent predictor of increased QTc and SI when controlled for several confounders. Oxygen breathing increased SI in HH but not in HAPH+, and reduced QTc in all groups. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that HAPH+ but not HH may be at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity compared to LL. The lack of a further increase of the elevated SI during hyperoxia in HAPH+ may indicate dysfunctional control of vascular tone and/or remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Furian
- Pulmonary Division and Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - T D Latshang
- Pulmonary Division and Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - S S Aeschbacher
- Pulmonary Division and Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - U Sheraliev
- National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Department of Respiratory Medicine, 3 Togolok Moldo Str., Bishkek 720040, Kyrgyzstan
| | - N H Marazhapov
- National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Department of Respiratory Medicine, 3 Togolok Moldo Str., Bishkek 720040, Kyrgyzstan
| | - E Mirrakhimov
- National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Department of Respiratory Medicine, 3 Togolok Moldo Str., Bishkek 720040, Kyrgyzstan
| | - S Ulrich
- Pulmonary Division and Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - T M Sooronbaev
- National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Department of Respiratory Medicine, 3 Togolok Moldo Str., Bishkek 720040, Kyrgyzstan
| | - K E Bloch
- Pulmonary Division and Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Effect of One Night of Nocturnal Oxygen Supplementation on Highland Patients With OSA: A Randomized, Crossover Trial. Chest 2021; 160:690-700. [PMID: 33667495 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of OSA in highland residents is not established. RESEARCH QUESTIONS Does nocturnal oxygen supplementation (NOS) improve sleep-related breathing disturbances, nocturnal oxygenation, and cognitive performance in patients with OSA living at 3,200 m? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Forty patients with OSA permanently living in Shangri-La, China at 3,200 m (median age [interquartile range], 47.0 [44.0-53.0] years; oxygen desaturation index, 38.4/h [34.2/h-52.3/h]), were randomly assigned to receive nasal NOS and sham oxygen (ambient air), for one night each, at 2 L/min, in a crossover design, separated by a washout period of 2 weeks. During treatment nights polysomnography was performed, and further outcomes were evaluated the next morning. The primary outcome was the difference in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) between nights with NOS and nights with sham oxygen. RESULTS During nights with sham oxygen, the median (interquartile range) total AHI was 43.4/h (31.1/h-67.5/h), the obstructive AHI was 41.9/h (28.5/h-66.8/h), and the central AHI was 0.6/h (0.1/h-1.3/h); blood oxygenation as determined by pulse oximetry (Spo2) was 87.0% (84.5%-89.0%). In intention-to-treat analysis, NOS decreased the total AHI by a median of 17.9/h (95% CI, 8.0/h-27.1/h; P < .001), through a reduction in obstructive AHI by 16.0/h (95% CI, 6.8/h-26.0/h; P < .001) and central AHI by 0.4/h (95% CI, 0.1/h-0.9/h; P < .001). NOS also increased Spo2 by 7.0% (95% CI, 6.0%-8.0%; P < .001). Heart rate during sleep and pulse rate in the morning after NOS were significantly reduced, but subjective sleep quality and cognitive performance showed no changes. INTERPRETATION In highland residents with OSA, NOS significantly improved sleep-related breathing disturbances and nocturnal oxygenation. NOS also reduced heart rate during sleep and morning pulse rate. If these beneficial effects are confirmed in longer term studies, NOS may be a treatment option for highland patients with OSA who cannot be treated by CPAP. TRIAL REGISTRY Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; No.: ChiCTR1800017715; URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=29768.
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13
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Wang T, Hou J, Xiao W, Zhang Y, Zhou L, Yuan L, Yin X, Chen X, Hu Y. Chinese medicinal plants for the potential management of high-altitude pulmonary oedema and pulmonary hypertension. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2020; 58:815-827. [PMID: 32883127 PMCID: PMC8641673 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2020.1804407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite the abundance of knowledge regarding high-altitude pulmonary edoema (HAPE) and high-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH), their prevalence continues to be on the rise. Thus, there is an urgent need for newer safe, effective, and relatively economic drug candidates. China is particularly known for the use of medicinal plants. OBJECTIVE This review summarizes the medicinal plants used for HAPE and HAPH in the past 30 years, as well as some potential plants. METHODS Publications on HAPE and HAPH from 1990 to 2020 were identified using Web of Science, PubMed, SCOPUS, Springer Link, Google Scholar databases, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and CNKI with the following keywords: 'medicinal plants,' 'hypoxia,' 'high altitude pulmonary edema,' 'high altitude pulmonary hypertension,' 'pathophysiology,' 'mechanisms,' 'prevention,' 'treatment,' 'human,' 'clinical,' 'safety,' and 'pharmacokinetics.' RESULTS We found 26 species (from 20 families) out of 5000 plants which are used for HAPE and HAPH prevention or treatment. Rhodiola rosea Linn. (Crassulaceae) is the most widely utilized. The most involved family is Lamiaceae, which contains 5 species. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS We mainly reviewed the medicinal plants and mechanisms for the treatment of HAPE and HAPH, and we also assessed related toxicology experiments, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability. Potential medicinal plants were also identified. Further research is needed to determine the pharmacological effects and active ingredients of these potential medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Jun Hou
- Department of Central Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Wenjing Xiao
- Department of Central Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Yaolei Zhang
- Faculty of Medical, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Longfu Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Li Yuan
- Faculty of Medical, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqiang Yin
- Department of Central Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu/Affiliated Hospital of Southwest, Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Yonghe Hu
- Department of Central Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
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14
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Brito J, Siques P, Pena E. Long-term chronic intermittent hypoxia: a particular form of chronic high-altitude pulmonary hypertension. Pulm Circ 2020; 10:5-12. [PMID: 33110494 PMCID: PMC7557688 DOI: 10.1177/2045894020934625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In some subjects, high-altitude hypobaric hypoxia leads to high-altitude pulmonary
hypertension. The threshold for the diagnosis of high-altitude pulmonary hypertension is a
mean pulmonary artery pressure of 30 mmHg, even though for general pulmonary hypertension
is ≥25 mmHg. High-altitude pulmonary hypertension has been associated with high hematocrit
findings (chronic mountain sickness), and although these are two separate entities, they
have a synergistic effect that should be considered. In recent years, a new condition
associated with high altitude was described in South America named long-term chronic
intermittent hypoxia and has appeared in individuals who commute to work at high altitude
but live and rest at sea level. In this review, we discuss the initial epidemiological
pattern from the early studies done in Chile, the clinical presentation and possible
molecular mechanism and a discussion of the potential management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Brito
- Institute of Health Studies, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile.,Institute DECIPHER, German-Chilean Institute for Research on Pulmonary Hypoxia and Its Health Sequelae, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patricia Siques
- Institute of Health Studies, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile.,Institute DECIPHER, German-Chilean Institute for Research on Pulmonary Hypoxia and Its Health Sequelae, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eduardo Pena
- Institute of Health Studies, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile.,Institute DECIPHER, German-Chilean Institute for Research on Pulmonary Hypoxia and Its Health Sequelae, Hamburg, Germany
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15
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Lichtblau M, Saxer S, Latshang TD, Aeschbacher SS, Huber F, Scheiwiller PM, Herzig JJ, Schneider SR, Hasler ED, Furian M, Bloch KE, Ulrich S. Altitude Travel in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension: Randomized Pilot-Trial Evaluating Nocturnal Oxygen Therapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:502. [PMID: 32984379 PMCID: PMC7492536 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Stable patients with pulmonary arterial or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (PH) wish to undergo altitude sojourns or air travel but fear disease worsening. This pilot study investigates health effects of altitude sojourns and potential benefits of nocturnal oxygen therapy (NOT) in PH patients. Methods: Nine stable PH patients, age 65 (47; 71) years, 5 women, in NYHA class II, on optimized medication, were investigated at 490 m and during two sojourns of 2 days/nights at 2,048 m, once using NOT, once placebo (ambient air), 3 L/min per nasal cannula, according to a randomized crossover design with 2 weeks washout at <800 m. Assessments included safety, nocturnal pulse oximetry (SpO2), 6-min walk distance (6 MWD), and echocardiography. Results: At 2,048 m, two of nine patients required medical intervention, one for exercise-induced syncope, one for excessive nocturnal hypoxemia (SpO2 < 75% for >30 min). Both recovered immediately with oxygen therapy. Two patients suffered from acute mountain sickness. In 6 patients with complete data, nocturnal mean SpO2 and cyclic SpO2 dips reflecting sleep apnea significantly differed from 490 to 2,048 m with placebo, and 2,048 m with NOT (medians, quartiles): SpO2 93 (91; 95)%, 89 (85; 90)%, 97 (95; 97)%; SpO2 dips 10.4/h (3.1; 26.9), 34.0/h (5.3; 81.3), 0.3/h (0.1; 2.3). 6 MWD at 490, 2,048 m without and with NOT was 620 m (563; 720), 583 m (467; 696), and 561 m (501; 688). Echocardiographic indices of heart function and PH were unchanged at 2,048 m with/without NOT vs. 490 m. Conclusions: 7/9 PH patients stayed safely at 2,048 m but revealed hypoxemia, sleep apnea, and reduced 6 MWD. Hemodynamic changes were trivial. NOT improved oxygenation and sleep apnea. The current pilot trial is important for designing further studies on altitude tolerance of PH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Silvia Ulrich
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Aeschbacher SS, Latshang TD, Sheraliev U, Marazhapov NH, Ulrich S, Sooronbaev TM, Bloch KE, Furian M. Altered cardiac repolarisation in highlanders with high-altitude pulmonary hypertension during wakefulness and sleep. J Sleep Res 2020; 30:e13153. [PMID: 32776394 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
High-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) is an altitude-related illness associated with hypoxaemia that may promote sympathetic excitation and prolongation of the QT interval. The present case-control study tests whether QT intervals, markers of malignant cardiac arrhythmias, are prolonged in highlanders with HAPH (HAPH+) compared to healthy highlanders (HH) and healthy lowlanders (LL). The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was measured by echocardiography in 18 HAPH+ (mPAP, 34 mmHg) and 18 HH (mPAP, 23 mmHg) at 3,250 m, and 18 LL (mPAP, 18 mmHg) at 760 m, Kyrgyzstan (p < .05 all mPAP comparisons). Groups were matched for age, sex and body mass index. Electrocardiography and pulse oximetry were continuously recorded during nocturnal polysomnography. The heart rate-adjusted QT interval, QTc, was averaged over consecutive 1-min periods. Overall, a total of 26,855 averaged 1-min beat-by-beat periods were semi-automatically analysed. In HAPH+, maximum nocturnal QTc was longer during sleep (median 456 ms) than wakefulness (432 ms, p < .05) and exceeded corresponding values in HH (437 and 419 ms) and LL (430 and 406 ms), p < .05, respectively. The duration of night-time QTc >440 ms was longer in HAPH+ (median 144 min) than HH and LL (46 and 14 min, p < .05, respectively). HAPH+ had higher night-time heart rate (median 78 beats/min) than HH and LL (66 and 65 beats/min, p < .05, respectively), lower mean nocturnal oxygen saturation than LL (88% versus 95%, p < .05) and more cyclic oxygen desaturations (median 24/hr) than HH and LL (13 and 3/hr, p < .05, respectively). In conclusion, HAPH was associated with higher night-time heart rate, hypoxaemia and longer QTc versus HH and LL, and may represent a substrate for increased risk of malignant cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka S Aeschbacher
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tsogyal D Latshang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulan Sheraliev
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Nuriddin H Marazhapov
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Silvia Ulrich
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Talant M Sooronbaev
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Konrad E Bloch
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Furian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Bondi D, Bhandari S, Verratti V. Case studies in physiology: Nocturnal cardiorespiratory adaptive differences between an Italian trekker and a Nepali guide. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14537. [PMID: 32812385 PMCID: PMC7435026 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiopulmonary system is a physiological cornerstone in the adaptive response to hypobaric hypoxia. Portable devices make it feasible nowadays to precisely assess the response to high altitude (HA) expeditions. In this study, we investigated breathing and arterial blood pressure responses during a Himalayan trek from 665 m to 4,780 m altitude in a white European (Italian) sojourner and a native Nepali (Tamang) guide, both healthy males. Resting diurnal and nocturnal data were acquired by means of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and sleep apnea monitoring. We found an increase in the mean diurnal arterial blood pressure. Nocturnal blood pressure dipping was confirmed at all altitudes. Oxygen saturation decreased at altitude, with its additional nocturnal fall. Sleep apneic episodes, present in the Italian only, increased with altitude. We conclude that the nocturnal, more than diurnal, cardiorespiratory function is affected by HA hypoxia. Further studies should address the role of ethnicity, medications, and sociodemographic factors in the cardiorespiratory responses to hypobaric hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Bondi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical SciencesUniversity “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti – PescaraChietiItaly
| | | | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial SciencesUniversity “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti – PescaraChietiItaly
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18
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Hancco I, Bailly S, Baillieul S, Doutreleau S, Germain M, Pépin JL, Verges S. Excessive Erythrocytosis and Chronic Mountain Sickness in Dwellers of the Highest City in the World. Front Physiol 2020; 11:773. [PMID: 32760289 PMCID: PMC7373800 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While millions of people are living permanently at high altitude (>2,500 m) worldwide, the mechanisms underlying their tolerance to chronic hypoxia and those responsible for the occurrence of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) remain to be elucidated. Excessive erythrocytosis (EE) is thought to be the main mechanism responsible for CMS symptoms and is included in the definition of CMS, but the precise interplay between EE and symptoms of CMS requires further investigations. Methods The present study benefits from an exceptional dataset coming from 1,594 dwellers of La Rinconada, the highest city in the world (5,100-5,300 m). Based on individual clinical characteristics, subjects were categorized according to the presence of EE and CMS diagnosis, based on current guidelines. Results In this population of relatively young [32 (23; 39) years] highlanders residing in La Rinconada for only a few years [3 (2; 5) years], the internal prevalence of EE (44%) was high, whereas the internal prevalence of CMS (14%) was similar compared to previous reports in highlander populations living at lower altitude (∼4,000 m) in the Andes. Individuals with EE reported less symptoms compared to individuals with lower hematocrit values. Multivariable analysis revealed that age and sex are the main factors associated with EE, whereas age, hematocrit and number of years living at La Rinconada are factors associated with CMS symptoms. Conclusion In this specific population of La Rinconada, high hematocrit values were observed but were associated with limited symptoms. These results raise important questions regarding the definition of EE and CMS and their underlying mechanisms in high-altitude populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Hancco
- HP2 Laboratory, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Sébastien Bailly
- HP2 Laboratory, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Sébastien Baillieul
- HP2 Laboratory, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Stéphane Doutreleau
- HP2 Laboratory, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Michèle Germain
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (LIBM) EA7424, Team "Vascular Biology and Red Blood Cell", Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Louis Pépin
- HP2 Laboratory, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Samuel Verges
- HP2 Laboratory, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
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Gou Q, Shi R, Zhang X, Meng Q, Li X, Rong X, Gawa Z, Zhuoma N, Chen X. The Prevalence and Risk Factors of High-Altitude Pulmonary Hypertension Among Native Tibetans in Sichuan Province, China. High Alt Med Biol 2020; 21:327-335. [PMID: 32614250 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2020.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gou, Qiling, Rufeng Shi, Xin Zhang, Qingtao Meng, Xinran Li, Xi Rong, Zhabu Gawa, Nage Zhuoma, and Xiaoping Chen. The prevalence and risk factors of high-altitude pulmonary hypertension among native Tibetans in Sichuan Province, China. High Alt Med Biol. 21:327-335, 2020. Background: Studies evaluating the prevalence and risk factors of high-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) are lacking. Objective: To determine the prevalence of HAPH and its correlated factors among highlanders living 3200 m above sea level in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. Methods: This was a single-center, cross-sectional study involving 1129 subjects (mean age 46.6 ± 14 years, 39% men). In native Tibetans, HAPH was defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure >30 mmHg as measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Results: HAPH had a crude prevalence of 6.2% and was more prevalent in men than in women (8.6% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.005). Elderly adults were more likely to develop HAPH than young adults (odds ratio [OR] = 5.308, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.562-10.993). Highlanders with HAPH had more severe metabolic abnormalities (including elevated blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, BMI, etc., p < 0.05) and significantly increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (p < 0.01). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for HAPH were metabolic syndrome (OR = 3.128, 95% CI = 1.110-8.818), age (>60 years vs. <40 years) (OR = 2.924, 95% CI = 1.282-6.669), and decreased SpO2 (OR = 1.072 per 1-unit decrease; 95% CI = 1.010-1.136). Conclusion: It could be concluded that HAPH was prevalent among 6.2% of native Tibetans in Sichuan Province, China. Increasing age, metabolic syndrome, and decreased SpO2 were independent predisposing factors for HAPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiling Gou
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Rufeng Shi
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingtao Meng
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinran Li
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Rong
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhabu Gawa
- Luhuo County People's Hospital, Ganzi, People's Republic of China
| | - Nage Zhuoma
- Luhuo County People's Hospital, Ganzi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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20
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Lichtblau M, Saxer S, Furian M, Mayer L, Bader PR, Scheiwiller PM, Mademilov M, Sheraliev U, Tanner FC, Sooronbaev TM, Bloch KE, Ulrich S. Cardiac function and pulmonary hypertension in Central Asian highlanders at 3250 m. Eur Respir J 2020; 56:13993003.02474-2019. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02474-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The question addressed by the studyChronic exposure to hypoxia increases pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in highlanders, but the criteria for diagnosis of high-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) are debated. We assessed cardiac function and PAP in highlanders at 3250 m and explored HAPH prevalence using different definitions.Patients and methodsCentral Asian highlanders free of overt cardiorespiratory disease, permanently living at 2500–3500 m compared to age-matched lowlanders living <800 m. Participants underwent echocardiography close to their altitude of residence (at 3250 m versus 760 m).Results173 participants (97 highlanders, 76 lowlanders), mean±sd age 49±9 years (49% females) completed the study. Results in lowlanders versus highlanders were systolic PAP (23±5 versus 30±10 mmHg), right ventricular fractional area change (42±6% versus 39±8%), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (2.1±0.3 versus 2.0±0.3 cm), right atrial volume index (20±6 versus 23±8 mL·m−2), left ventricular ejection fraction (62±4% versus 57±5%) and stroke volume (64±10 versus 57±11 mL); all between-group comparisons p<0.05. Depending on criteria, HAPH prevalence varied between 6% and 35%.The answer to the questionChronic exposure to hypoxia in highlanders is associated with higher PAP and slight alterations in right and left heart function compared to lowlanders. The prevalence of HAPH in this large highlander cohort varies between 6% according to expert consensus definition of chronic high-altitude disease to 35% according to the most recent definition of pulmonary hypertension proposed for lowlanders.
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21
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The Impact of Altitude on Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Infants and Children. CURRENT SLEEP MEDICINE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40675-019-00137-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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22
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Sleep Disordered Breathing at High Altitude in Adults and Its Interaction with Cardiovascular Homeostasis. CURRENT SLEEP MEDICINE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40675-019-00138-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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23
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Ramjug S, Adão R, Lewis R, Coste F, de Man F, Jimenez D, Sitbon O, Delcroix M, Vonk-Noordegraaf A. Highlights from the ERS International Congress 2018: Assembly 13 - Pulmonary Vascular Diseases. ERJ Open Res 2019; 5:00202-2018. [PMID: 30895188 PMCID: PMC6421363 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00202-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2018 European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Paris, France, highlighted the subject of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD). 2018 was an exciting year for the PVD community as it was the first ERS International Congress since the formation of Assembly 13, which is dedicated to PVD, pulmonary embolism and the right ventricle. This article aims to summarise the high-quality studies presented at the 2018 Congress into four subject areas: the use of risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension, the molecular mechanisms and treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH), understanding and improving the right ventricle in PH, and finally, advances in the field of acute pulmonary embolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Ramjug
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe, UK
| | - Rui Adão
- Dept of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research and Development Center – UnIC, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Florence Coste
- University Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Frances de Man
- VU University Medical Center, Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Jimenez
- Respiratory Dept, Ramon y Cajal Hospital, IRYCIS, Alcaia Henares University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marion Delcroix
- Pneumology Dept, Universitarie Ziekenhuizen, Leuven, Belgium
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24
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Furian M, Lichtblau M, Aeschbacher SS, Estebesova B, Emilov B, Sheraliev U, Marazhapov NH, Mademilov M, Osmonov B, Bisang M, Ulrich S, Latshang TD, Ulrich S, Sooronbaev TM, Bloch KE. Effect of Dexamethasone on Nocturnal Oxygenation in Lowlanders With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Traveling to 3100 Meters: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2019; 2:e190067. [PMID: 30794302 PMCID: PMC6484579 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE During mountain travel, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk of experiencing severe hypoxemia, in particular, during sleep. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether preventive dexamethasone treatment improves nocturnal oxygenation in lowlanders with COPD at 3100 m. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel trial was performed from May 1 to August 31, 2015, in 118 patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration [FEV1] >50% predicted, pulse oximetry at 760 m ≥92%) who were living at altitudes below 800 m. The study was conducted at a university hospital (760 m) and high-altitude clinic (3100 m) in Tuja-Ashu, Kyrgyz Republic. Patients underwent baseline evaluation at 760 m, were taken by bus to the clinic at 3100 m, and remained at the clinic for 2 days and nights. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either dexamethasone, 4 mg, orally twice daily or placebo starting 24 hours before ascent and while staying at 3100 m. Data analysis was performed from September 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016. INTERVENTIONS Dexamethasone, 4 mg, orally twice daily (dexamethasone total daily dose, 8 mg) or placebo starting 24 hours before ascent and while staying at 3100 m. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Difference in altitude-induced change in nocturnal mean oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (Spo2) during night 1 at 3100 m between patients receiving dexamethasone and those receiving placebo was the primary outcome and was analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Other outcomes were apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) (mean number of apneas/hypopneas per hour of time in bed), subjective sleep quality measured by a visual analog scale (range, 0 [extremely bad] to 100 [excellent]), and clinical evaluations. RESULTS Among the 118 patients included, 18 (15.3%) were women; the median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 58 (52-63) years; and FEV1 was 91% predicted (IQR, 73%-103%). In 58 patients receiving placebo, median nocturnal Spo2 at 760 m was 92% (IQR, 91%-93%) and AHI was 20.5 events/h (IQR, 12.3-48.1); during night 1 at 3100 m, Spo2 was 84% (IQR, 83%-85%) and AHI was 39.4 events/h (IQR, 19.3-66.2) (P < .001 both comparisons vs 760 m). In 60 patients receiving dexamethasone, Spo2 at 760 m was 92% (IQR, 91%-93%) and AHI was 25.9 events/h (IQR, 16.3-37.1); during night 1 at 3100 m, Spo2 was 86% (IQR, 84%-88%) (P < .001 vs 760 m) and AHI was 24.7 events/h (IQR, 13.2-33.7) (P = .99 vs 760 m). Altitude-induced decreases in Spo2 during night 1 were mitigated by dexamethasone vs placebo by a mean of 3% (95% CI, 2%-3%), and increases in AHI were reduced by 18.7 events/h (95% CI, 12.0-25.3). Similar effects were observed during night 2. Subjective sleep quality was improved with dexamethasone during night 2 by 12% (95% CI, 0%-23%). Sixteen (27.6%) patients using dexamethasone had asymptomatic hyperglycemia. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In lowlanders in Central Asia with COPD traveling to a high altitude, preventive dexamethasone treatment improved nocturnal oxygen saturation, sleep apnea, and subjective sleep quality. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02450994.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Furian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mona Lichtblau
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Bermet Estebesova
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Berik Emilov
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Ulan Sheraliev
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Nuriddin H. Marazhapov
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Maamed Mademilov
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Batyr Osmonov
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Maya Bisang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Ulrich
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tsogyal D. Latshang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Ulrich
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Talant M. Sooronbaev
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Konrad E. Bloch
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Brito J, Siques P, López R, Romero R, León-Velarde F, Flores K, Lüneburg N, Hannemann J, Böger RH. Long-Term Intermittent Work at High Altitude: Right Heart Functional and Morphological Status and Associated Cardiometabolic Factors. Front Physiol 2018; 9:248. [PMID: 29623044 PMCID: PMC5874329 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Living at high altitude or with chronic hypoxia implies functional and morphological changes in the right ventricle and pulmonary vasculature with a 10% prevalence of high-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH). The implications of working intermittently (day shifts) at high altitude (hypobaric hypoxia) over the long term are still not well-defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the right cardiac circuit status along with potentially contributory metabolic variables and distinctive responses after long exposure to the latter condition. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 120 healthy miners working at an altitude of 4,400-4,800 m for over 5 years in 7-day commuting shifts was designed. Echocardiography was performed on day 2 at sea level. Additionally, biomedical and biochemical variables, Lake Louise scores (LLSs), sleep disturbances and physiological variables were measured at altitude and at sea level. Results: The population was 41.8 ± 0.7 years old, with an average of 14 ± 0.5 (range 5-29) years spent at altitude. Most subjects still suffered from mild to moderate symptoms of acute mountain sickness (mild was an LLS of 3-5 points, including cephalea; moderate was LLS of 6-10 points) (38.3%) at the end of day 1 of the shift. Echocardiography showed a 23% mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) >25 mmHg, 9% HAPH (≥30 mmHg), 85% mild increase in right ventricle wall thickness (≥5 mm), 64% mild right ventricle dilation, low pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and fairly good ventricle performance. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) (OR 8.84 (1.18-66.39); p < 0.05) and insulin (OR: 1.11 (1.02-1.20); p < 0.05) were associated with elevated mPAP and were defined as a cut-off. Interestingly, the correspondence analysis identified association patterns of several other variables (metabolic, labor, and biomedical) with higher mPAP. Conclusions: Working intermittently at high altitude involves a distinctive pattern. The most relevant and novel characteristics are a greater prevalence of elevated mPAP and HAPH than previously reported at chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH), which is accompanied by subsequent morphological characteristics. These findings are associated with cardiometabolic factors (insulin and ADMA). However, the functional repercussions seem to be minor or negligible. This research contributes to our understanding and surveillance of this unique model of chronic intermittent high-altitude exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Brito
- Institute of Health Studies, University Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Patricia Siques
- Institute of Health Studies, University Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Rosario López
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University Autonoma of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raul Romero
- Institute of Health Studies, University Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Fabiola León-Velarde
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía/IIA, University Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Karen Flores
- Institute of Health Studies, University Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Nicole Lüneburg
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Hannemann
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rainer H Böger
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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26
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Scherrer U, Verges S. Sleep apnoea and pulmonary hypertension in high-altitude dwellers: more than an association? Eur Respir J 2017; 49:49/2/1602232. [PMID: 28153872 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02232-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Urs Scherrer
- Dept of Cardiology, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Dept of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile
| | - Samuel Verges
- Laboratoire HP2, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France .,Unité 1042, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Grenoble, France
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27
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Abstract
More than 140 million people permanently reside in high-altitude regions of Asia, South America, North America, and Africa. Another 40 million people travel to these places annually for occupational and recreational reasons, and are thus exposed to the low ambient partial pressure of oxygen. This review will focus on the pulmonary circulatory responses to acute and chronic high-altitude hypoxia, and the various expressions of maladaptation and disease arising from acute pulmonary vasoconstriction and subsequent remodeling of the vasculature when the hypoxic exposure continues. These unique conditions include high-altitude pulmonary edema, high-altitude pulmonary hypertension, subacute mountain sickness, and chronic mountain sickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maniraj Neupane
- Mountain Medicine Society of Nepal, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Erik R. Swenson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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