Xue-Wen Ren1, Qiu-ying Zhang, Hao Wang, Heng Hong, Huai-Yu Qiao, Chun-Yan Man, Gang Zhao, Li Chen, Tan-shi Li, Ping Ye. 1. Departments of Emergency (X-WR, C-YM, L-C, TS-L), and Geriatric Cardiology (HW, PY), The PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Cardiology (HH), Beijing Shi Jing Shan Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Cardiology (H-YQ), 335 Hospital, Jingdezhen, China; and Department of Cardiology (GZ), Air Force General Hospital, PLA, Beijing, China; Department of research and education of Hui people hospital Beijing (Q-YZ).
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common disabling condition observed in people ascending to high altitudes. However, a simple predictive test for AMS is not known. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between baseline exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and AMS occurrence. METHODS: Eighty healthy lowland Chinese adults were recruited for this study. FENO was measured at baseline, as well as 6 and 24 hours after arrival in Tibet. The standard Lake Louise Score (LLS) consensus symptoms questionnaire was used to assess the incidence and severity of AMS. RESULTS: Individuals with a high LLS (> 3) had higher FENO levels at baseline and after arrival in Tibet than people with a low LLS (≤ 3) (baseline: 22.9 ± 11.9 versus 16.7 ± 6.4; 6 hours: 26.2 ± 16.7 versus 17.9 ± 5.7; 24 hours: 24.9 ± 13.1 versus 16.3 ± 1.7; all P < 0.01). Evaluation of risk factors revealed that female gender, diabetes and not smoking were associated with a high AMS score (all P < 0.05), but that hypertension showed no association (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective observational study suggests that baseline FENO levels may be positively correlated with AMS in healthy Chinese lowlanders.
BACKGROUND: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common disabling condition observed in people ascending to high altitudes. However, a simple predictive test for AMS is not known. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between baseline exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and AMS occurrence. METHODS: Eighty healthy lowland Chinese adults were recruited for this study. FENO was measured at baseline, as well as 6 and 24 hours after arrival in Tibet. The standard Lake Louise Score (LLS) consensus symptoms questionnaire was used to assess the incidence and severity of AMS. RESULTS: Individuals with a high LLS (> 3) had higher FENO levels at baseline and after arrival in Tibet than people with a low LLS (≤ 3) (baseline: 22.9 ± 11.9 versus 16.7 ± 6.4; 6 hours: 26.2 ± 16.7 versus 17.9 ± 5.7; 24 hours: 24.9 ± 13.1 versus 16.3 ± 1.7; all P < 0.01). Evaluation of risk factors revealed that female gender, diabetes and not smoking were associated with a high AMS score (all P < 0.05), but that hypertension showed no association (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective observational study suggests that baseline FENO levels may be positively correlated with AMS in healthy Chinese lowlanders.
Authors: Andrew F Cumpstey; Philip J Hennis; Edward T Gilbert-Kawai; Bernadette O Fernandez; Matthieu Poudevigne; Alexandra Cobb; Paula Meale; Kay Mitchell; Helen Moyses; Helmut Pöhnl; Monty G Mythen; Michael P W Grocott; Martin Feelisch; Daniel S Martin Journal: Nitric Oxide Date: 2017-10-16 Impact factor: 4.898