Benoit Champigneulle, Ivan Hancco, Richard Renan, Stéphane Doutreleau, Emeric Stauffer, Aurélien Pichon, Julien V Brugniaux, Hélène Péré, Pierre Bouzat, David Veyer, Samuel Verges
{"title":"High-Altitude Environment and COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity in the Highest City in the World.","authors":"Benoit Champigneulle, Ivan Hancco, Richard Renan, Stéphane Doutreleau, Emeric Stauffer, Aurélien Pichon, Julien V Brugniaux, Hélène Péré, Pierre Bouzat, David Veyer, Samuel Verges","doi":"10.1089/ham.2021.0020","DOIUrl":"10.1089/ham.2021.0020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Champigneulle, Benoit, Ivan Hancco, Richard Renan, Stéphane Doutreleau, Emeric Stauffer, Aurélien Pichon, Julien V. Brugniaux, Hélène Péré, Pierre Bouzat, David Veyer, and Samuel Verges. High-altitude environment and COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in the highest city in the world. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 22: 000-000, 2021. <b><i>Background:</i></b> A reduced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diffusion has been suggested in high-altitude areas but remained questionable. Aims of this study were to estimate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seropositivity as well as the risk factors associated in La Rinconada, the highest city in the world (5,100-5,300 m), a gold-mining town located in southeastern Peru where >50,000 dwellers live in precarious sanitary conditions. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> We performed a cross-sectional study during a 1-week period in October 2020, using point-of-care lateral flow serological assays allowing detection of antibodies directed against SARS-CoV-2 among voluntary dwellers in La Rinconada. Participants were also questioned about potential occupational and environmental risk factors of COVID-19 occurrence. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In a sample of 159 dwellers tested in La Rinconada, 48.4% [95% confidence interval, CI: 40.5-56.4] were seropositive for the SARS-CoV-2. Occurrence of at least one symptom compatible with the COVID-19 over the past 6 months remained the only significant factor associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity (adjusted odds ratio: 3.27; [95% CI: 1.70-6.44]; <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The high rate of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity observed in this small sample of highlanders does not support a protective effect of high-altitude against the COVID-19 spread and demonstrates its large dissemination in vulnerable populations. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT04604249.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"218-222"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39060277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rosalind Franklin Society Proudly Announces the 2023 Award Recipient for <i>High Altitude Medicine & Biology</i>.","authors":"Prof Susi Kriemler","doi":"10.1089/ham.2024.98765.rfs2023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ham.2024.98765.rfs2023","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"157"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142125556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuelin Yu, Peng Gao, Lianke Xie, Kun Wang, Dandan Dou, Quanquan Gong
{"title":"Is Smoking Associated with the Risk of Acute Mountain Sickness? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Yuelin Yu, Peng Gao, Lianke Xie, Kun Wang, Dandan Dou, Quanquan Gong","doi":"10.1089/ham.2022.0037","DOIUrl":"10.1089/ham.2022.0037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Controversy remains in the association between smoking and the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Therefore, a systematic review of the existing literature may help clarify this association. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from database inception up to October 19, 2021. Both unadjusted and adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to compare the risk of AMS in the smoking and nonsmoking groups. Meta-regression was conducted to explore the factors causing heterogeneity of the studies, and subsequent stratified analysis was performed to present the pooled RR in different subgroups. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 28 eligible articles (31 studies) were included. The pooled unadjusted and adjusted RRs were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.78-1.01) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.77-0.99), respectively, using random-effect models. Publication bias was observed owing to restrictions on the sample size. The ascending altitude and sex composition of the study population were likely sources of heterogeneity according to meta-regression. Studies on participants with an ascending altitude of over 3,500 m or composed of both males and females reported a slight but not significant protective effect of smoking on the risk of AMS, with high heterogeneity. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Smoking had no significant effect on AMS risk in this meta-analysis. Current studies showed high heterogeneity and included little information on quantitative exposure to smoking (i.e., dose and frequency); thus, the results require careful explanation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"226-237"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141283506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bowen Wang, Mengjia Peng, Liheng Jiang, Fei Fang, Juan Wang, Yan Li, Ruichen Zhao, Yuliang Wang
{"title":"A Rare Case of High-Altitude Polycythemia Complicated by Spontaneous Splenic Rupture.","authors":"Bowen Wang, Mengjia Peng, Liheng Jiang, Fei Fang, Juan Wang, Yan Li, Ruichen Zhao, Yuliang Wang","doi":"10.1089/ham.2023.0105","DOIUrl":"10.1089/ham.2023.0105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wang, Bowen, Mengjia Peng,, Liheng Jiang,, Fei Fang,, Juan Wang,, Yan Li,, Ruichen Zhao,, and Yuliang Wang,. A Rare Case of High-Altitude Polycythemia Complicated by Spontaneous Splenic Rupture. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 25:247-250, 2024.-High-altitude polycythemia, a condition characterized by an increase in red blood cellRBC mass, can occur after prolonged exposure to high altitudes. While several studies have explored the complications associated with high-altitude polycythemia, there is currently no literature available on spontaneous spleen rupture caused by high-altitude polycythemia. Here, we reported a case of acute abdominal pain and hemodynamic instability in a 36-year-old male who had been residing at high altitude for 6 years, without any recent history of trauma. Computed tomography imaging revealed significant fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and a tear of the splenic capsule was identified during the following laparotomy. Subsequent evaluations confirmed the presence of polycythemia secondary to prolonged high-altitude exposure as the underlying etiology. This case served as an important reminder that high-altitude polycythemia could lead to serious complications, such as spontaneous spleen rupture. Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication and consider it in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with abdominal pain and hemodynamic instability in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":"247-250"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141971002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joshua T Murphey, Jennifer L Temple, David Hostler
{"title":"Taste and Appetite at Altitude: A Comprehensive Review of Sensory and Hunger Modulation in High-Altitude Environments.","authors":"Joshua T Murphey, Jennifer L Temple, David Hostler","doi":"10.1089/ham.2024.0018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ham.2024.0018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Individuals living or working at high altitudes typically experience altered taste perceptions and reduced appetite. These changes can lead to nutritional deficiencies, affecting the energy balance and body composition. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We conducted a nonsystematic review of PubMed to explore these phenomena and expound on their findings to offer additional insights. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Changes in taste and perception are common and typically lead to loss of mass. There are limited practical solutions to mitigate these challenges. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Gradual acclimatization and tailored nutritional strategies are required to enhance health and performance in high-altitude environments. This review provides critical insights into the intersection of altitude, nutrition, and health.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141912441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dimitra Vasdeki, Georgios Tsamos, Kleoniki I Athanasiadou, Vasiliki Michou, Evangelos Botsarakos, Michael Doumas, Kalliopi Kotsa, Theocharis Koufakis
{"title":"Above the Clouds with Diabetes: From Pathophysiological Considerations to Practical Recommendations for Safe Flights.","authors":"Dimitra Vasdeki, Georgios Tsamos, Kleoniki I Athanasiadou, Vasiliki Michou, Evangelos Botsarakos, Michael Doumas, Kalliopi Kotsa, Theocharis Koufakis","doi":"10.1089/ham.2024.0057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ham.2024.0057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vasdeki, Dimitra, Georgios Tsamos, Kleoniki I. Athanasiadou, Vasiliki Michou, Evangelos Botsarakos, Michael Doumas, Kalliopi Kotsa, and Theocharis Koufakis. Above the clouds with diabetes: From pathophysiological considerations to practical recommendations for safe flights. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 00:00-00, 2024. <b><i>Background:</i></b> The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been following an increasing trend in the last decades, leading to a growing number of travelers with diabetes seeking pretravel advice from medical professionals. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This narrative review summarizes the existing evidence on the intriguing association between diabetes and air travel, analyzes safety and certification protocols, and provides practical recommendations for the management of diabetes during flights. <b><i>Results:</i></b> During air travel, individuals with diabetes face challenges arising from inappropriate dietary options, restricted access to medications and healthcare services, disruption of medication dosing intervals, and exposure to hypobaric conditions in the airplane cabin. In addition, people with diabetes, especially those treated with insulin, have traditionally been considered ineligible to become professional pilots. However, this approach gradually changes and numerous countries are now implementing strict protocols to determine the eligibility of pilots with diabetes to operate flights. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Given the increasing use of technology and new drugs in daily clinical practice, there is a need for further research in the field to shed light on existing knowledge gaps and ensure safe flights for people with diabetes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141878592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ly-Anh Reid, Jordan L Rees, Miranda Kimber, Marina James, Graeme M Purdy, Megan Smorschok, Lauren E Maier, Normand G Boulé, Trevor A Day, Margie H Davenport, Craig D Steinback
{"title":"Blood Glucose During High Altitude Trekking in Young Healthy Adults.","authors":"Ly-Anh Reid, Jordan L Rees, Miranda Kimber, Marina James, Graeme M Purdy, Megan Smorschok, Lauren E Maier, Normand G Boulé, Trevor A Day, Margie H Davenport, Craig D Steinback","doi":"10.1089/ham.2024.0070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ham.2024.0070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Reid, Ly-Anh, Jordan L Rees, Miranda Kimber, Marina James, Graeme M Purdy, Megan Smorschok, Lauren E Maier, Normand G. Boulé, Trevor A. Day, Margie H. Davenport, and Craig D. Steinback. Blood glucose during high altitude trekking in young healthy adults. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 00:00-00, 2024. <b><i>Introduction:</i></b> High altitude trekking is becoming more popular and accessible to an increased number of people. Simultaneously, there is a worldwide rise in the prevalence of metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a gradual trekking ascent to high altitude on continuous glucose monitoring outcomes including fasting, mean 24-hour, postprandial, and post-75 g modified oral glucose tolerance test. This study also investigated the relationship between physical activity intensity, high altitude, and glucose concentrations. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Individuals (<i>n</i> = 9) from Alberta, Canada participated in a 2-week trek in the Khumbu Valley in Nepal, ascending by foot from 2,860 m to 5,300 m (∼65 km) over 10 days. A standardized 75 g oral glucose load was given to participants at four different altitudes (1,130 m, 3,440 m, 3,820 m, 5,160 m). Physical activity (Actigraph accelerometry) and interstitial glucose (iPro2, Medtronic) were measured continuously during the trek. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Fasting and mean 24-hour glucose concentrations were not different between altitudes. However, 2-hour post dinner glucose and 2-hour post lunch glucose, AUC concentrations were different between altitudes. The relationship between physical activity intensity and glucose was not influenced by increasing altitudes. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our findings suggest that glucose regulation is largely preserved at high altitude; however, inconsistency in our postprandial glucose concentrations at altitude warrants further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141855346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michiel J van Veelen, Rudolf Likar, Markus Tannheimer, Konrad E Bloch, Silvia Ulrich, Michael Philadelphy, Barbara Teuchner, Thomas Hochholzer, Jacqueline Pichler Hefti, Urs Hefti, Peter Paal, Martin Burtscher
{"title":"Emergency Care for High-Altitude Trekking and Climbing.","authors":"Michiel J van Veelen, Rudolf Likar, Markus Tannheimer, Konrad E Bloch, Silvia Ulrich, Michael Philadelphy, Barbara Teuchner, Thomas Hochholzer, Jacqueline Pichler Hefti, Urs Hefti, Peter Paal, Martin Burtscher","doi":"10.1089/ham.2024.0065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ham.2024.0065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> High altitude regions are characterized by harsh conditions (environmental, rough terrain, natural hazards, and limited hygiene and health care), which all may contribute to the risk of accidents/emergencies when trekking or climbing. Exposure to hypoxia, cold, wind, and solar radiation are typical features of the high altitude environment. Emergencies in these remote areas place high demands on the diagnostic and treatment skills of doctors and first-aiders. The aim of this review is to give insights on providing the best possible care for victims of emergencies at high altitude. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Authors provide clinical recommendations based on their real-world experience, complemented by appropriate recent studies and internationally reputable guidelines. <b><i>Results and Discussion:</i></b> This review covers most of the emergencies/health issues that can occur when trekking or during high altitude climbing, that is, high altitude illnesses and hypothermia, freezing cold injuries, accidents, for example, with severe injuries due to falling, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, abdominal, musculoskeletal, eye, dental, and skin issues. We give a summary of current recommendations for emergency care and pain relief in case of these various incidents.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141787867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"It Is High Time: Rationale for Inclusion of Quantitative Markers for Acute Mountain Sickness Screening.","authors":"Niroj Kumar Sethy","doi":"10.1089/ham.2024.0101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ham.2024.0101","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141758348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cinthya Vásquez-Velásquez, Diego Fano-Sizgorich, Gustavo F Gonzales
{"title":"Death Risk Response of High-Altitude Resident Populations to COVID-19 Vaccine: A Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Cinthya Vásquez-Velásquez, Diego Fano-Sizgorich, Gustavo F Gonzales","doi":"10.1089/ham.2024.0045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ham.2024.0045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vásquez-Velásquez, Cinthya, Diego Fano-Sizgorich, and Gustavo F Gonzales. Death risk response of high-altitude resident populations to COVID-19 vaccine: Retrospective cohort study. <i>High Alt Med Biol.</i> 00:00-00, 2024. <b><i>Background:</i></b> Peru had one of the highest mortality rates caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide. Vaccination significantly reduces mortality. However, the effectiveness of vaccination might differ at different altitudinal levels. The study aimed to evaluate the effect modification of altitude on the association between vaccination and COVID-19 mortality in Peru. <b><i>Methodology:</i></b> A retrospective cohort, using open access databases of deaths, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and vaccination was obtained from the Peruvian Ministry of Health. Deaths due to COVID-19 were evaluated in vaccinated and nonvaccinated patients. Crude (RR) and adjusted relative risks (aRR) were calculated using generalized linear models of Poisson family with robust variances. Models were adjusted for age, sex, pandemic wave, and Human Development Index. To evaluate the interaction by altitude, a stratified analysis by this variable was performed. The variable altitude was categorized as, 0-499 m (828,298 cases), 500-1,499 m (64,735 cases), 1,500-2,499 m (106,572 cases), and ≥2,500 m (179,004 cases). The final sample studied included 1,362,350 cases. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The vaccine showed a considerable reduction of death risk with the second (aRR: 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-0.44) and third doses (aRR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.20-0.23). In the adjusted and interaction model, it can be observed that medium and high altitude present a higher risk of death compared to sea level (aRR: 2.58 and 2.03, respectively). Likewise, the two doses' group presents an aRR:1.22 for medium altitude (1,500-2,499 m) and 1.6 for high altitude (≥2,500 m), compared with low-altitude population, suggesting that the action of vaccination at high altitude is altered by the effect of the altitude itself. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Altitude might modify the protective effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine against COVID-19 death.</p>","PeriodicalId":12975,"journal":{"name":"High altitude medicine & biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141751575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}