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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 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000001092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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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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Titz A, Schneider S, Mueller J, Mayer L, Lichtblau M, Ulrich S. Symposium review: high altitude travel with pulmonary vascular disease. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38780974 DOI: 10.1113/jp284585] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension are the main precapillary forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) summarized as pulmonary vascular diseases (PVD). PVDs are characterized by exertional dyspnoea and oxygen desaturation, and reduced quality of life and survival. Medical therapies improve life expectancy and physical performance of PVD patients, of whom many wish to participate in professional work and recreational activities including traveling to high altitude. The exposure to the hypobaric hypoxic environment of mountain regions incurs the risk of high altitude adverse events (AEHA) due to severe hypoxaemia exacerbating symptoms and further increase in pulmonary artery pressure, which may lead to right heart decompensation. Recent prospective and randomized trials show that altitude-induced hypoxaemia, pulmonary haemodynamic changes and impairment of exercise performance in PVD patients are in the range found in healthy people. The vast majority of optimally treated stable PVD patients who do not require long-term oxygen therapy at low altitude can tolerate short-term exposure to moderate altitudes up to 2500 m. PVD patients that reveal persistent severe resting hypoxaemia (S p O 2 ${{S}_{{\mathrm{p}}{{{\mathrm{O}}}_{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ <80% for >30 min) at 2500 m respond well to supplemental oxygen therapy. Although there are no accurate predictors for AEHA, PVD patients with unfavourable risk profiles at low altitude, such as higher WHO functional class, lower exercise capacity with more pronounced exercise-induced desaturation and more severely impaired haemodynamics, are at increased risk of AEHA. Therefore, doctors with experience in PVD and high-altitude medicine should counsel PVD patients before any high-altitude sojourn. This review aims to summarize recent literature and clinical recommendations about PVD patients travelling to high altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Titz
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Laura Mayer
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Silvia Ulrich
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Müller J, Titz A, Schneider SR, Bauer M, Mayer L, Lüönd L, Ulrich T, Furian M, Forrer A, Schwarz EI, Bloch KE, Lichtblau M, Ulrich S. The effect of high altitude (2500 m) on incremental cycling exercise in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a randomised controlled crossover trial. Eur Respir J 2024; 63:2301001. [PMID: 38423623 PMCID: PMC10918318 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01001-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our objective was to investigate the effect of a day-long exposure to high altitude on peak exercise capacity and safety in stable patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). METHODS In a randomised controlled crossover trial, stable patients with PAH or distal CTEPH without resting hypoxaemia at low altitude performed two incremental exercise tests to exhaustion: one after 3-5 h at high altitude (2500 m) and one at low altitude (470 m). RESULTS In 27 patients with PAH/CTEPH (44% females, mean±sd age 62±14 years), maximal work rate was 110±64 W at 2500 m and 123±64 W at 470 m (-11%, 95% CI -16- -11%; p<0.001). Oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry and arterial oxygen tension at end-exercise were 83±6% versus 91±6% and 6.1±1.9 versus 8.6±1.9 kPa (-8% and -29%; both p<0.001) at 2500 versus 470 m, respectively. Maximal oxygen uptake was 17.8±7.5 L·min-1·kg-1 at high altitude versus 20±7.4 L·min-1·kg-1 at low altitude (-11%; p<0.001). At end-exercise, the ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide was 43±9 at 2500 m versus 39±9 at 470 m (9%, 95% CI 2-6%; p=0.002). No adverse events occurred during or after exercise. CONCLUSIONS Among predominantly low-risk patients with stable PAH/CTEPH, cycling exercise during the first day at 2500 m was well tolerated, but peak exercise capacity, blood oxygenation and ventilatory efficiency were lower compared with 470 m.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Müller
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- J. Müller and A. Titz contributed equally to this work
| | - Anna Titz
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- J. Müller and A. Titz contributed equally to this work
| | - Simon R Schneider
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Meret Bauer
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Mayer
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea Lüönd
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Ulrich
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Furian
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aglaia Forrer
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Esther I Schwarz
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Konrad E Bloch
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mona Lichtblau
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Ulrich
- University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Naeije R. High altitude travelling with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur Respir J 2024; 63:2400111. [PMID: 38453244 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00111-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
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Schneider SR, Müller J, Bauer M, Mayer L, Lüönd L, Ulrich T, Furian M, Forrer A, Carta A, Schwarz EI, Bloch KE, Lichtblau M, Ulrich S. Overnight exposure to high altitude in pulmonary hypertension: adverse events and effect of oxygen therapy. Eur Heart J 2024; 45:309-311. [PMID: 38079468 PMCID: PMC10821358 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simon R Schneider
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Julian Müller
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Meret Bauer
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Mayer
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lea Lüönd
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Ulrich
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Furian
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Aglaia Forrer
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Arcangelo Carta
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Esther I Schwarz
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Konrad E Bloch
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mona Lichtblau
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Ulrich
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
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Lichtblau M, Harutyunova S, Nechwatal R, Mayer L, Kabitz HJ, Wilkens FM, Uiker S, Grünig E, Ritter D, Florea A, Benjamin N. [General measures and management of pulmonary arterial hypertension]. Pneumologie 2023; 77:907-915. [PMID: 37963480 DOI: 10.1055/a-2145-4741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Care of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) needs a multi-facetet concept and measures, including management of adverse reactions, right heart insufficiency as well as information on pregnancy, travels by air, psychosocial support, physical exercise training and prophylaxis by vaccination.Positive study results led to an higher recommendation of specialized exercise training in pulmonary hypertension. Also, the recommendation on iron substitution was amended according to the current evidence.In the current guidelines, special focus was given to the elaboration of recommendations regarding pregnancy, including patient information, contraception and patient management in case of pregnancy.This article aims to provide an overview on the recommendations of general measuremes, special circumstances and patient management according to the ESC/ERS guidelines. Amendments to the guideline recommendations are given as comments from the authors of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Lichtblau
- Klinik für Pneumologie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz
| | - Satenik Harutyunova
- Zentrum für pulmonale Hypertonie, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | | | - Laura Mayer
- Klinik für Pneumologie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Schweiz
| | - Hans-Joachim Kabitz
- Klinik für Pneumologie und Schlafmedizin, Kantonsspital Aarau (KSA), Schweiz
| | - Finn Moritz Wilkens
- Zentrum für pulmonale Hypertonie, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Sören Uiker
- Rehaklinik Heidelberg Königstuhl, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Ekkehard Grünig
- Zentrum für pulmonale Hypertonie, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Daniel Ritter
- Klinikum Würzburg Mitte, Standort Missionsärztliche Klinik, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Andreea Florea
- Zentrum für pulmonale Hypertonie, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Nicola Benjamin
- Zentrum für pulmonale Hypertonie, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
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Bauer M, Müller J, Schneider SR, Buenzli S, Furian M, Ulrich T, Carta AF, Bader PR, Lichtblau M, Taalaibekova A, Raimberdiev M, Champigneulle B, Sooronbaev T, Bloch KE, Ulrich S. Hypoxia-altitude simulation test to predict altitude-related adverse health effects in COPD patients. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00488-2022. [PMID: 36923563 PMCID: PMC10009702 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00488-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aims Amongst numerous travellers to high altitude (HA) are many with the highly prevalent COPD, who are at particular risk for altitude-related adverse health effects (ARAHE). We then investigated the hypoxia-altitude simulation test (HAST) to predict ARAHE in COPD patients travelling to altitude. Methods This prospective diagnostic accuracy study included 75 COPD patients: 40 women, age 58±9 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 40-80% pred, oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (S pO2 ) ≥92% and arterial carbon dioxide tension (P aCO2 ) <6 kPa. Patients underwent baseline evaluation and HAST, breathing normobaric hypoxic air (inspiratory oxygen fraction (F IO2 ) of 15%) for 15 min, at low altitude (760 m). Cut-off values for a positive HAST were set according to British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines (arterial oxygen tension (P aO2 ) <6.6 kPa and/or S pO2 <85%). The following day, patients travelled to HA (3100 m) for two overnight stays where ARAHE development including acute mountain sickness (AMS), Lake Louise Score ≥4 and/or AMS score ≥0.7, severe hypoxaemia (S pO2 <80% for >30 min or 75% for >15 min) or intercurrent illness was observed. Results ARAHE occurred in 50 (66%) patients and 23 out of 75 (31%) were positive on HAST according to S pO2 , and 11 out of 64 (17%) according to P aO2 . For S pO2 /P aO2 we report a sensitivity of 46/25%, specificity of 84/95%, positive predictive value of 85/92% and negative predictive value of 44/37%. Conclusion In COPD patients ascending to HA, ARAHE are common. Despite an acceptable positive predictive value of the HAST to predict ARAHE, its clinical use is limited by its insufficient sensitivity and overall accuracy. Counselling COPD patients before altitude travel remains challenging and best focuses on early recognition and treatment of ARAHE with oxygen and descent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meret Bauer
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Julian Müller
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Simon R. Schneider
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Simone Buenzli
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Michael Furian
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Tanja Ulrich
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Arcangelo F. Carta
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Patrick R. Bader
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Mona Lichtblau
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Ajian Taalaibekova
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
- National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Madiiar Raimberdiev
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
- National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Benoit Champigneulle
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
- HP2 Laboratory, Inserm U1300, Grenoble Alpes University, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Talant Sooronbaev
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
- National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Konrad E. Bloch
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Silvia Ulrich
- University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss-Kyrgyz High Altitude Medicine and Research Initiative, Zurich, Switzerland, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
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Humbert M, Kovacs G, Hoeper MM, Badagliacca R, Berger RMF, Brida M, Carlsen J, Coats AJS, Escribano-Subias P, Ferrari P, Ferreira DS, Ghofrani HA, Giannakoulas G, Kiely DG, Mayer E, Meszaros G, Nagavci B, Olsson KM, Pepke-Zaba J, Quint JK, Rådegran G, Simonneau G, Sitbon O, Tonia T, Toshner M, Vachiery JL, Vonk Noordegraaf A, Delcroix M, Rosenkranz S. 2022 ESC/ERS Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Eur Respir J 2023; 61:13993003.00879-2022. [PMID: 36028254 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00879-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 469] [Impact Index Per Article: 469.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Humbert
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Centre de Référence de l'Hypertension Pulmonaire, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie-Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Gabor Kovacs
- University Clinic of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Marius M Hoeper
- Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in End-stage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), member of the German Centre of Lung Research (DZL), Hanover, Germany
| | - Roberto Badagliacca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare e Chirurgia dei Trapianti d'Organo, Policlinico Umberto I, Roma, Italy
| | - Rolf M F Berger
- Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Dept of Paediatric Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Margarita Brida
- Department of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical Faculty University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Adult Congenital Heart Centre and National Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guys and St Thomas's NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jørn Carlsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrew J S Coats
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pilar Escribano-Subias
- Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER-CV (Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas En Red de enfermedades CardioVasculares), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pisana Ferrari
- ESC Patient Forum, Sophia Antipolis, France
- AIPI, Associazione Italiana Ipertensione Polmonare, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diogenes S Ferreira
- Alergia e Imunologia, Hospital de Clinicas, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Hossein Ardeschir Ghofrani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Pneumology, Kerckhoff Klinik, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - George Giannakoulas
- Cardiology Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - David G Kiely
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
- Insigneo Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Eckhard Mayer
- Thoracic Surgery, Kerckhoff Clinic, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Gergely Meszaros
- ESC Patient Forum, Sophia Antipolis, France
- European Lung Foundation (ELF), Sheffield, UK
| | - Blin Nagavci
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Karen M Olsson
- Clinic of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Joanna Pepke-Zaba
- Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Unit, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Göran Rådegran
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund, Sweden
- The Haemodynamic Lab, The Section for Heart Failure and Valvular Disease, VO. Heart and Lung Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gerald Simonneau
- Faculté Médecine, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Centre de Référence de l'Hypertension Pulmonaire, Hopital Marie-Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Olivier Sitbon
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie-Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
- Faculté Médecine, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Centre de Référence de l'Hypertension Pulmonaire, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Thomy Tonia
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mark Toshner
- Dept of Medicine, Heart Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Royal Papworth NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jean-Luc Vachiery
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonary Vascular Diseases and Heart Failure Clinic, HUB Hôpital Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Marion Delcroix
- Clinical Department of Respiratory Diseases, Centre of Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, University Hospitals of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- The two chairpersons (M. Delcroix and S. Rosenkranz) contributed equally to the document and are joint corresponding authors
| | - Stephan Rosenkranz
- Clinic III for Internal Medicine (Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Intensive Care Medicine), and Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center (CCRC), Heart Center at the University Hospital Cologne, Köln, Germany
- The two chairpersons (M. Delcroix and S. Rosenkranz) contributed equally to the document and are joint corresponding authors
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10
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Furian M, Tannheimer M, Burtscher M. Effects of Acute Exposure and Acclimatization to High-Altitude on Oxygen Saturation and Related Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Health and Disease. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226699. [PMID: 36431176 PMCID: PMC9697047 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maximal values of aerobic power (VO2max) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2max) decline in parallel with gain in altitude. Whereas this relationship has been well investigated when acutely exposed to high altitude, potential benefits of acclimatization on SpO2 and related VO2max in healthy and diseased individuals have been much less considered. Therefore, this narrative review was primarily aimed to identify relevant literature reporting altitude-dependent changes in determinants, in particular SpO2, of VO2max and effects of acclimatization in athletes, healthy non-athletes, and patients suffering from cardiovascular, respiratory and/or metabolic diseases. Moreover, focus was set on potential differences with regard to baseline exercise performance, age and sex. Main findings of this review emphasize the close association between individual SpO2 and VO2max, and demonstrate similar altitude effects (acute and during acclimatization) in healthy people and those suffering from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, in patients with ventilatory constrains, i.e., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, steep decline in SpO2 and V̇O2max and reduced potential to acclimatize stress the already low exercise performance. Finally, implications for prevention and therapy are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Furian
- Pulmonary Division, University Hospital Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Research Department, Swiss University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 5330 Bad Zurzach, Switzerland
| | - Markus Tannheimer
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Correspondence:
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11
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Humbert M, Kovacs G, Hoeper MM, Badagliacca R, Berger RMF, Brida M, Carlsen J, Coats AJS, Escribano-Subias P, Ferrari P, Ferreira DS, Ghofrani HA, Giannakoulas G, Kiely DG, Mayer E, Meszaros G, Nagavci B, Olsson KM, Pepke-Zaba J, Quint JK, Rådegran G, Simonneau G, Sitbon O, Tonia T, Toshner M, Vachiery JL, Vonk Noordegraaf A, Delcroix M, Rosenkranz S. 2022 ESC/ERS Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:3618-3731. [PMID: 36017548 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1082] [Impact Index Per Article: 541.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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12
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Ulrich S, Lichtblau M, Schneider SR, Saxer S, Bloch KE. Clinician's Corner: Counseling Patients with Pulmonary Vascular Disease Traveling to High Altitude. High Alt Med Biol 2022; 23:201-208. [PMID: 35852848 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2022.0051] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulrich, Silvia, Mona Lichtblau, Simon R. Schneider, Stéphanie Saxer, and Konrad E. Bloch, Clinician's corner: counseling patients with pulmonary vascular disease traveling to high altitude. High Alt Med Biol. 23:201-208, 2022.-Pulmonary vascular diseases (PVDs) with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH), such as pulmonary arterial or chronic thromboembolic PH, impair exercise performance and survival in patients. Vasodilators and other treatments improve quality of life and prognosis to an extent in patients who have PVDs as chronic disorders. Obviously, patients with PVD wish to participate in usual daily activities, including travel to popular settlements and mountainous regions located at high altitude. However, the pulmonary hemodynamic impairment due to PVD leads to blood and tissue hypoxia, particularly during exercise and sleep. It is thus of concern that alveolar hypoxia at higher altitude may exacerbate patients' symptoms and lead to decompensation. Current PH guidelines discourage high-altitude exposure for fear of altitude-related adverse health effects. However, several recent well-designed prospective and randomized trials show that despite altitude-induced hypoxemia, pulmonary hemodynamic changes and impairment of exercise performance in patients with PVD are similar to the responses in healthy people or in patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The vast majority of patients with PVD can tolerate short-term exposure to moderate altitudes up to 2,500 m. For the roughly 10% of patients with stable disease who develop severe hypoxemia when ascending to 2,500 m, they respond well to low-level supplemental oxygen support. The best low-altitude predictors for adverse health effects at high altitude are the known clinical risk factors for PVD such as symptoms, functional class, exercise capacity, and exertional oxygen desaturation, whereas hypoxia altitude simulation testing is of little additive value. In any case, patients should be instructed that altitude-related adverse health effects may be difficult to predict and that in case of worsening symptoms, immediate accompanied descent to lower altitude and oxygen therapy are required. Patients with severe hypoxemia near sea level may safely visit high-altitude regions up to 1,500-2,000 m while continuing oxygen therapy and avoiding strenuous exercise. All PH patients should be counseled before any high-altitude sojourn by doctors with experience in PVD and high-altitude medicine and have an action plan for the occurrence of severe hypoxemia and other altitude-related conditions such as acute mountain sickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ulrich
- Pulmonary Division and Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mona Lichtblau
- Pulmonary Division and Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon R Schneider
- Pulmonary Division and Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Saxer
- Pulmonary Division and Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Konrad E Bloch
- Pulmonary Division and Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Lichtblau M, Piccari L, Ramjug S, Bokan A, Lechartier B, Jutant EM, Barata M, Garcia AR, Howard LS, Adir Y, Delcroix M, Jara-Palomares L, Bertoletti L, Sitbon O, Ulrich S, Vonk Noordegraaf A. ERS International Congress 2021: highlights from the Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Assembly. ERJ Open Res 2022; 8:00665-2021. [PMID: 35615412 PMCID: PMC9125041 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00665-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to summarise the latest research presented at the virtual 2021 European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in the field of pulmonary vascular disease. In light of the current guidelines and proceedings, knowledge gaps are addressed and the newest findings of the various forms of pulmonary hypertension as well as key points on pulmonary embolism are discussed. Despite the comprehensive coverage of the guidelines for pulmonary embolism at previous conferences, discussions about controversies in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in specific cases were debated and are addressed in the first section of this article. We then report on an interesting pro–con debate about the current classification of pulmonary hypertension. We further report on presentations on Group 3 pulmonary hypertension, with research exploring pathogenesis, phenotyping, diagnosis and treatment; important contributions on the diagnosis of post-capillary pulmonary hypertension are also included. Finally, we summarise the latest evidence presented on pulmonary vascular disease and COVID-19 and a statement on the new imaging guidelines for pulmonary vascular disease from the Fleischner Society. This article summarises communications from #ERSCongress 2021 on pulmonary embolism diagnosis and treatment, PAH and CTEPH during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, novelties in post-capillary PH and in PH associated with respiratory diseaseshttps://bit.ly/3ASDO21
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Lichtblau
- Dept of Pneumology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,These authors contributed equally
| | - Lucilla Piccari
- Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,These authors contributed equally
| | - Sheila Ramjug
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe, UK
| | - Aleksandar Bokan
- SLK Lungenklinik Loewenstein, Medical Clinic I: Pneumology, Respiratory Medicine and Intensive Medicine, Loewenstein, Germany
| | - Benoit Lechartier
- Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Pulmonary Division, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Etienne-Marie Jutant
- Université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, Service de Pneumologie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale CIC 1402, Poitiers, France
| | | | - Agustin Roberto Garcia
- Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luke S Howard
- National Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Yochai Adir
- Pulmonology Division, Lady Davis-Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.,Bruce and Ruth Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Marion Delcroix
- Clinical Dept of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals of Leuven and Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Dept of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luis Jara-Palomares
- Medical Surgical Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS). Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laurent Bertoletti
- CHU de St-Etienne, Service de Médecine Vasculaire et Thérapeutique; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR1059, Université Jean-Monnet; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale CIC-1408, CHU de Saint-Etienne; INNOVTE, CHU de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Olivier Sitbon
- Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche S999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Silvia Ulrich
- Dept of Pneumology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anton Vonk Noordegraaf
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Schneider SR, Lichtblau M, Furian M, Mayer LC, Berlier C, Müller J, Saxer S, Schwarz EI, Bloch KE, Ulrich S. Cardiorespiratory Adaptation to Short-Term Exposure to Altitude vs. Normobaric Hypoxia in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102769. [PMID: 35628896 PMCID: PMC9147287 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Prediction of adverse health effects at altitude or during air travel is relevant, particularly in pre-existing cardiopulmonary disease such as pulmonary arterial or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (PAH/CTEPH, PH). A total of 21 stable PH-patients (64 ± 15 y, 10 female, 12/9 PAH/CTEPH) were examined by pulse oximetry, arterial blood gas analysis and echocardiography during exposure to normobaric hypoxia (NH) (FiO2 15% ≈ 2500 m simulated altitude, data partly published) at low altitude and, on a separate day, at hypobaric hypoxia (HH, 2500 m) within 20−30 min after arrival. We compared changes in blood oxygenation and estimated pulmonary artery pressure in lowlanders with PH during high altitude simulation testing (HAST, NH) with changes in response to HH. During NH, 4/21 desaturated to SpO2 < 85% corresponding to a positive HAST according to BTS-recommendations and 12 qualified for oxygen at altitude according to low SpO2 < 92% at baseline. At HH, 3/21 received oxygen due to safety criteria (SpO2 < 80% for >30 min), of which two were HAST-negative. During HH vs. NH, patients had a (mean ± SE) significantly lower PaCO2 4.4 ± 0.1 vs. 4.9 ± 0.1 kPa, mean difference (95% CI) −0.5 kPa (−0.7 to −0.3), PaO2 6.7 ± 0.2 vs. 8.1 ± 0.2 kPa, −1.3 kPa (−1.9 to −0.8) and higher tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient 55 ± 4 vs. 45 ± 4 mmHg, 10 mmHg (3 to 17), all p < 0.05. No serious adverse events occurred. In patients with PH, short-term exposure to altitude of 2500 m induced more pronounced hypoxemia, hypocapnia and pulmonary hemodynamic changes compared to NH during HAST despite similar exposure times and PiO2. Therefore, the use of HAST to predict physiological changes at altitude remains questionable. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03592927 and NCT03637153).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon R. Schneider
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.R.S.); (M.L.); (M.F.); (L.C.M.); (C.B.); (J.M.); (S.S.); (E.I.S.); (K.E.B.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, 6005 Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Mona Lichtblau
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.R.S.); (M.L.); (M.F.); (L.C.M.); (C.B.); (J.M.); (S.S.); (E.I.S.); (K.E.B.)
| | - Michael Furian
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.R.S.); (M.L.); (M.F.); (L.C.M.); (C.B.); (J.M.); (S.S.); (E.I.S.); (K.E.B.)
| | - Laura C. Mayer
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.R.S.); (M.L.); (M.F.); (L.C.M.); (C.B.); (J.M.); (S.S.); (E.I.S.); (K.E.B.)
| | - Charlotte Berlier
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.R.S.); (M.L.); (M.F.); (L.C.M.); (C.B.); (J.M.); (S.S.); (E.I.S.); (K.E.B.)
| | - Julian Müller
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.R.S.); (M.L.); (M.F.); (L.C.M.); (C.B.); (J.M.); (S.S.); (E.I.S.); (K.E.B.)
| | - Stéphanie Saxer
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.R.S.); (M.L.); (M.F.); (L.C.M.); (C.B.); (J.M.); (S.S.); (E.I.S.); (K.E.B.)
| | - Esther I. Schwarz
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.R.S.); (M.L.); (M.F.); (L.C.M.); (C.B.); (J.M.); (S.S.); (E.I.S.); (K.E.B.)
| | - Konrad E. Bloch
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.R.S.); (M.L.); (M.F.); (L.C.M.); (C.B.); (J.M.); (S.S.); (E.I.S.); (K.E.B.)
| | - Silvia Ulrich
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.R.S.); (M.L.); (M.F.); (L.C.M.); (C.B.); (J.M.); (S.S.); (E.I.S.); (K.E.B.)
- Correspondence:
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