Delayed-onset high-altitude pulmonary edema: A series of 8 patients

Abstract

Clinical studies were performed in eight consecutive patients who developed high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) after 6 days of stay (range: 8–121 days) at the same altitude who were admitted to our hospital. The findings of this series revealed respiratory infection with exertion and cold exposure as the predominant causes of delayed-onset HAPE. HAPE in its delayed-onset form is likely to be more severe based on mortality findings in our series and requires intense monitoring and preparation of contingencies for prompt evacuation in severe or nonresponsive cases.