Tobias M. Merz

Nocturnal periodic breathing during acclimatization at very high altitude at Mount Muztagh Ata (7,546 m)

RATIONALE Quantitative data on ventilation during acclimatization at very high altitude are scant. Therefore, we monitored nocturnal ventilation and oxygen saturation in mountaineers ascending Mt. Muztagh Ata (7,546 m). OBJECTIVES To investigate whether periodic breathing persists during prolonged stay at very high altitude. METHODS A total of 34 mountaineers (median age, 46 yr; 7 women) climbed from 3,750 m within 19-20 days to the summit at 7,546 m. During ascent, repeated nocturnal recordings of calibrated respiratory inductive plethysmography, pulse oximetry, and scores of acute mountain sickness were obtained. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Nocturnal oxygen saturation decreased, whereas minute ventilation and the number of periodic breathing cycles increased with increasing altitude. At the highest camp (6,850 m), median nocturnal oxygen saturation, minute ventilation, and the number of periodic breathing cycles were 64%, 11.3 L/min, and 132.3 cycles/h. Repeated recordings within 5-8 days at 4,497 m and 5,533 m, respectively, revealed increased oxygen saturation, but no decrease in periodic breathing. The number of periodic breathing cycles was positively correlated with days of acclimatization, even when controlled for altitude, oxygen saturation, and other potential confounders, whereas symptoms of acute mountain sickness had no independent effect on periodic breathing. CONCLUSIONS Our field study provides novel data on nocturnal oxygen saturation, breathing patterns, and ventilation at very high altitude. It demonstrates that periodic breathing increases during acclimatization over 2 weeks at altitudes greater than 3,730 m, despite improved oxygen saturation consistent with a progressive increase in loop gain of the respiratory control system. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00514826).

Effect of ascent protocol on acute mountain sickness and success at Muztagh Ata, 7546 m.

Investigations studying the secretion of EPO (erythropoietin) in response to acute hypoxia have produced mixed results. Further, the errors associated with the various methods used to determine EPO are not well documented. The purpose of the current study was to determine the EPO response of 17 trained male subjects to either an acute bout of normobaric hypoxia (Hy; n = 10) or normoxia (Con; n = 7). A secondary aim was to determine the error associated with the measurement of EPO. After baseline tests, the treatment group (Hy) underwent a single bout of hypoxic exposure (F(I(O(2))) approximately 0.148; 3100 m) consisting of a 90-min rest period followed by a 30-min exercise phase (50% V(O)(2max)). Venous blood samples were drawn pre (0 min) and post (120 min) each test to assess changes in plasma EPO (DeltaEPO). The control (Con) group was subjected to the same general experimental design, but placed in a normoxic environment (F(I(O(2))) approximately 0.2093). The Hy group demonstrated a mean increase in EPO [19.3 (4.4) vs. 24.1 (5.1) mU/mL], p < 0.04, post 120 min of normobaric hypoxia. The calculated technical error of measurement for EPO was 2.1 mU/mL (9.8%). It was concluded that an acute bout of hypoxia, has the capacity to elevate plasma EPO. This study also demonstrates that the increase in EPO accumulation was 2 times greater than the calculated measurement of error.

New insights into ocular blood flow at very high altitudes

Little is known about the ocular and cerebral blood flow during exposure to increasingly hypoxic conditions at high altitudes. There is evidence that an increase in cerebral blood flow resulting from altered autoregulation constitutes a risk factor for acute mountain sickness (AMS) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) by leading to capillary overperfusion and vasogenic cerebral edema. The retina represents the only part of the central nervous system where capillary blood flow is visible and can be measured by noninvasive means. In this study we aimed to gain insights into retinal and choroidal autoregulatory properties during hypoxia and to correlate circulatory changes to symptoms of AMS and clinical signs of HACE. This observational study was performed within the scope of a high-altitude medical research expedition to Mount Muztagh Ata (7,546 m). Twenty seven participants underwent general and ophthalmic examinations up to a maximal height of 6,800 m. Examinations included fundus photography and measurements of retinal and choroidal blood flow, as well as measurement of arterial oxygen saturation and hematocrit. The initial increase in retinal blood velocity was followed by a decrease despite further ascent, whereas choroidal flow increase occurred later, at even higher altitudes. The sum of all adaptational mechanisms resulted in a stable oxygen delivery to the retina and the choroid. Parameters reflecting the retinal circulation and optic disc swelling correlated well with the occurrence of AMS-related symptoms. We demonstrate that sojourns at high altitudes trigger distinct behavior of retinal and choroidal blood flow. Increase in retinal but not in choroidal blood flow correlated with the occurrence of AMS-related symptoms.

High Incidence of Optic Disc Swelling at Very High Altitudes

OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence of optic disc swelling as a possible indicator of cerebral edema in a large group of healthy mountaineers exposed to very high altitudes and to correlate these findings with various clinical and environmental factors and occurrence of acute mountain sickness and high-altitude cerebral edema. METHODS This multidisciplinary, prospective, observational cohort study was performed in 2005 within the scope of a medical research expedition to Muztagh Ata (7546 m [24,751 ft]) in Western Xinjiang Province, China. Twenty-seven healthy mountaineers aged 26 to 62 years participated. Medical examinations were performed in Switzerland 1 month before and 4 1/2 months after the expedition. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed at 4 high camps (maximum elevation, 6865 m [22,517 ft]). Optic disc status was documented using digital photography. Further assessments included arterial oxygen saturation and cerebral acute mountain sickness scores. RESULTS Sixteen of 27 study subjects (59%) exhibited optic disc swelling during their stay at high altitudes, with complete regression on return to lowlands. Significant correlation was noted between optic disc swelling and lower arterial oxygen saturation (odds ratio, 0.86 per percentage of arterial oxygen saturation; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.92; P < .001), younger age (odds ratio, 0.95 per year; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-0.99; P = .03), and higher cerebral acute mountain sickness scores (odds ratio, 2.32 per 0.1 point; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-3.63; P < .001). CONCLUSION Optic disc swelling occurs frequently in high-altitude climbers and is correlated with peripheral oxygen saturation and symptoms of acute mountain sickness. It is most likely the result of hypoxia-induced brain volume increase.

New Insights Into Changes in Corneal Thickness in Healthy Mountaineers During a Very-High-Altitude Climb to Mount Muztagh Ata

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of very high altitude and different ascent profiles on central corneal thickness (CCT). METHODS Twenty-eight healthy mountaineers were randomly assigned to 2 different ascent profiles during a medical research expedition to Mount Muztagh Ata (7546 m) in western China. Group 1 was allotted a shorter acclimatization time prior to ascent to 6265 m. The main outcome measure was CCT. Secondary outcome measures were oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) and symptom assessments of acute mountain sickness (cerebral acute mountain sickness score). Examinations were performed at 490, 4497, 5533, and 6265 m. RESULTS Central corneal thickness increased in both groups with increasing altitude and decreased after descent. In group 1 (with the shorter acclimatization), mean CCT increased from 537 to 572 microm. Mean CCT in group 2 increased from 534 to 563 microm (P = .048). The amount of decrease in SpO(2) paralleled the increase in CCT. There was no significant decrease in visual acuity. There was a significant correlation between CCT and cerebral acute mountain sickness score when controlled for SpO(2) and age. CONCLUSIONS Corneal swelling during high-altitude climbs is promoted by low SpO(2). Systemic delivery of oxygen to the anterior chamber seems to play a greater role in corneal oxygenation than previously thought. Adhering to a slower ascent profile results in less corneal edema. Visual acuity in healthy corneas is not adversely affected by edema at altitudes of up to 6300 m. Individuals with more acute mountain sickness-related symptoms had thicker corneas, possibly due to their higher overall susceptibility to hypoxia.

Hemodynamic assessment of critically ill patients using a miniaturized transesophageal echocardiography probe

IntroductionHemodynamic management in intensive care patients guided by blood pressure and flow measurements often do not sufficiently reveal common hemodynamic problems. Trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) allows for direct measurement of cardiac volumes and function. A new miniaturized probe for TEE (mTEE) potentially provides a rapid and simplified approach to monitor cardiac function. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of hemodynamic monitoring using mTEE in critically ill patients after a brief operator training period.MethodsIn the context of the introduction of mTEE in a large ICU, 14 ICU staff specialists with no previous TEE experience received six hours of training as mTEE operators. The feasibility of mTEE and the quality of the obtained hemodynamic information were assessed. Three standard views were acquired in hemodynamically unstable patients: 1) for assessment of left ventricular function (LV) fractional area change (FAC) was obtained from a trans-gastric mid-esophageal short axis view, 2) right ventricular (RV) size was obtained from mid-esophageal four chamber view, and 3) superior vena cava collapsibility for detection of hypovolemia was assessed from mid-esophageal ascending aortic short axis view. Off-line blinded assessment by an expert cardiologist was considered as a reference. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using Chi-square tests or correlation analysis as appropriate.ResultsIn 55 patients, 148 mTEE examinations were performed. Acquisition of loops in sufficient quality was possible in 110 examinations for trans-gastric mid-esophageal short axis, 118 examinations for mid-esophageal four chamber and 125 examinations for mid-esophageal ascending aortic short axis view. Inter-rater agreement (Kappa) between ICU mTEE operators and the reference was 0.62 for estimates of LV function, 0.65 for RV dilatation, 0.76 for hypovolemia and 0.77 for occurrence of pericardial effusion (all P < 0.0001). There was a significant correlation between the FAC measured by ICU operators and the reference (r = 0.794, P (one-tailed) < 0.0001).ConclusionsEchocardiographic examinations using mTEE after brief bed-side training were feasible and of sufficient quality in a majority of examined ICU patients with good inter-rater reliability between mTEE operators and an expert cardiologist. Further studies are required to assess the impact of hemodynamic monitoring by mTEE on relevant patient outcomes.

Pro/con debate: Is intensive insulin therapy targeting tight blood glucose control of benefit in critically ill patients?

You have decided to develop a protocol for insulin therapy in your intensive care unit (ICU). You wonder about the merit of using intensive insulin therapy (IIT) to maintain tight blood glucose control in your patients.

Intraocular Pressure during a Very High Altitude Climb

PURPOSE Reports on intraocular pressure (IOP) changes at high altitudes have provided inconsistent and even conflicting RESULTS The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of very high altitude and different ascent profiles on IOP in relation to simultaneously occurring ophthalmic and systemic changes in a prospective study. METHODS This prospective study involved 25 healthy mountaineers who were randomly assigned to two different ascent profiles during a medical research expedition to Mt. Muztagh Ata (7,546 m/24,751 ft). Group 1 was allotted a shorter acclimatization time before ascent than was group 2. Besides IOP, oxygen saturation (SaO(2)), acute mountain sickness symptoms (AMS-c score), and optic disc appearance were assessed. Examinations were performed at 490 m/1,607 ft, 4,497 m/14,750 ft, 5,533 m/18,148 ft, and 6,265 m/20,549 ft above sea level. RESULTS Intraocular pressure in both groups showed small but statistically significant changes: an increase during ascent from 490 m/1,607 ft to 5,533 m/18,148 ft and then a continuous decrease during further ascent to 6,265 m/20,549 ft and on descent to 4,497 m/14,750 ft and to 490 m. Differences between groups were not significant. Multiple regression analysis (IOP-dependent variable) revealed a significant partial correlation coefficient of beta = -0.25 (P = 0.01) for SaO(2) and beta = -0.23 (P = 0.02) for acclimatization time. DISCUSSION Hypobaric hypoxia at very high altitude leads to small but statistically significant changes in IOP that are modulated by systemic oxygen saturation. Climbs to very high altitudes seem to be safe with regard to intraocular pressure changes.

Delayed Appearance of High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhages

Background Retinal hemorrhages have been described as a component of high altitude retinopathy (HAR) in association with altitude illness. In this prospective high altitude study, we aimed to gain new insights into the pathophysiology of HAR and explored whether HAR could be a valid early indicator of altitude illness. Methodology/Principal Findings 28 mountaineers were randomly assigned to two ascent profiles during a research expedition to Mt. Muztagh Ata (7546 m/24,751 ft). Digital fundus photographs were taken prior to expedition at 490 m (1,607 ft), during expedition at 4497 m (14,750 ft = base camp), 5533 m (18,148 ft), 6265 m (20,549 ft), 6865 m (22,517 ft) and 4.5 months thereafter at 490 m. Number, size and time of occurrence of hemorrhages were recorded. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) and hematocrit were also assessed. 79% of all climbers exhibited retinal hemorrhages during the expedition. Number and area of retinal bleeding increased moderately to medium altitudes (6265 m). Most retinal hemorrhages were detected after return to base camp from a high altitude. No post-expeditional ophthalmic sequelae were detected. Significant negative (SpO2 Beta: −0.4, p<0.001) and positive (hematocrit Beta: 0.2, p = 0.002, time at altitude Beta: 0.33, p = 0.003) correlations with hemorrhages were found. Conclusions/Significance When closely examined, a very large amount of climbers exhibit retinal hemorrhages during exposure to high altitudes. The incidence of retinal hemorrhages may be greater than previously appreciated as a definite time lag was observed between highest altitude reached and development of retinal bleeding. Retinal hemorrhages should not be considered warning signs of impending severe altitude illness due to their delayed appearance.

Risk assessment in the first fifteen minutes: a prospective cohort study of a simple physiological scoring system in the emergency department

IntroductionThe survival of patients admitted to an emergency department is determined by the severity of acute illness and the quality of care provided. The high number and the wide spectrum of severity of illness of admitted patients make an immediate assessment of all patients unrealistic. The aim of this study is to evaluate a scoring system based on readily available physiological parameters immediately after admission to an emergency department (ED) for the purpose of identification of at-risk patients.MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study includes 4,388 consecutive adult patients admitted via the ED of a 960-bed tertiary referral hospital over a period of six months. Occurrence of each of seven potential vital sign abnormalities (threat to airway, abnormal respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, low Glasgow Coma Scale and seizures) was collected and added up to generate the vital sign score (VSS). VSSinitial was defined as the VSS in the first 15 minutes after admission, VSSmax as the maximum VSS throughout the stay in ED. Occurrence of single vital sign abnormalities in the first 15 minutes and VSSinitial and VSSmax were evaluated as potential predictors of hospital mortality.ResultsLogistic regression analysis identified all evaluated single vital sign abnormalities except seizures and abnormal respiratory rate to be independent predictors of hospital mortality. Increasing VSSinitial and VSSmax were significantly correlated to hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.50 to 3.14, P < 0.0001 for VSSinitial; OR 2.36, 95% CI 2.15 to 2.60, P < 0.0001 for VSSmax). The predictive power of VSS was highest if collected in the first 15 minutes after ED admission (log rank Chi-square 468.1, P < 0.0001 for VSSinitial;,log rank Chi square 361.5, P < 0.0001 for VSSmax).ConclusionsVital sign abnormalities and VSS collected in the first minutes after ED admission can identify patients at risk of an unfavourable outcome.