Physiological effects of high altitude in teenagers during an expedition at the Kun 7087m

摘要

Introduction. - The aim of this study was to observe the physiological effects during exposure to high altitude on adolescents during an expedition to Kun 7087 m. Synthesis of the facts. -The measurement of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) and Lake Louise score (LLS) evaluating the acute mountain sickness (AMS) are made in two teenage boys (14 and 17years old), and four adults staying for 25 days over 3500 m. Result. -Four people showed a LLS>3 and two a LLS>5 confirming severe AMS. SpO2 was lower in adolescents than in adults (mean SpO2: 85% vs. 87%, range 60-93%). Adolescents were sick earlier on, at the altitude of 6340 m. At 5500 m, the younger teen contracted severe AMS, causing him to descend under treatment. Mean SBP: 124 vs. 121 mmHg, mean DBP: 74 vs. 77mmHg and mean FC: 87 vs. 75bt/min were higher in adolescents and not correlated with symptoms of AMS. The prevalence of AMS was 66%. Conclusion. -This study shows the need to combine suitable simple physiological data to be performed on site in order to improve the prevention of AMS in adolescents during trekking ascents in high altitude conditions and should be confirmed by a study of a larger number of subjects.