title: [Application of CPAP improves oxygenation during normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia].
abstract: This pilot project was performed to investigate the possible application of a portable CPAP helmet (continuous positive airway pressure) to treat high altitude diseases. Arterial oxygen saturation increased from 80.6 +/- 3.4 % to 90.6 +/- 3.8 % (p < 0.01, n = 14) when using the CPAP helmet (PEEP (positive endexpiratory pressure): 10-15 cm H2O) in normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 12.9 +/- 0.4 %, corresponding to about 4300 m). Furthermore arterial oxygen saturation was enhanced (88.1 +/- 1.9 % to 93.5 +/- 3.0 %; p < 0.01, n = 11) at real altitude (3150 m) after a 20 minute application of the CPAP helmet. There was a correlation between differences in PaCO2 and arterial oxygen saturation during CPAP (R = -0.97, p < 0.01, n = 6). Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness, its mechanisms in context with altitude diseases, and the applicability of this treatment under extreme environmental conditions.
authors.affiliation: Klinische Abteilung für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. robert.koch@i-med.ac.at
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Koch
authors.forename: Evelyn
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Punter
authors.forename: Hannes
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gatterer
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Flatz
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Faulhaber
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burtscher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D000532:Altitude Sickness / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000295:instrumentation; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen