Can people be screened for acute mountain sickness susceptibility?

This project aims to investigate cerebral deoxygenation during exercise in hypoxia in order to highlight a potential association with acute mountain sickness susceptibility. Although studies report cerebral blood flow as contributor to AMS insurgence, to date non study has provided evidence in monitoring cerebral deoxygenation during exercise in hypoxia. We hypothesize that subjects with higher levels of cerebral deoxygenation during exercise in hypoxia will be more prone to develop AMS.

What is the context of this research?

Ascending to high altitude is often associated with symptoms related to acute mountain sickness (AMS). However, factors that can accurately predict AMS occurrence remain to be discovered. While there is some suggestion that altered autoregulation of cerebral blood flow and/or impaired brain oxygenation during hypoxic exposure may determine AMS, experimental evidences do not support this hypothesis. Alternatively, it is well known that exercise alters cerebral blood flow and brain oxygenation and hypoxia can exacerbate these modifications. It is currently unclear, however, whether cerebral oxygenation status during exercise in hypoxia may be predictive for the risk of AMS.

What is the significance of this project?

Ascending to high-altitude is a common activity undertaken by large number of people worldwide. However, some individuals may experience symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) few hours after arrival at altitude. In the last years, different authors have tried to identified some predictive parameters in order to predict AMS insurgence. However, the debate is still open. Therefore, this investigation may add further evidence on the topic, helping clinicians in the evaluation of trekkers and mountaineers who are preparing to ascend at high altitudes.

What are the goals of the project?

The present project aims to investigate cerebral deoxygenation during exercise in hypoxia in order to highlight a potential association between this parameter and acute mountain sickness susceptibility. We expect higher degrees of cerebral deoxygenation during exercise in hypoxia in those individuals who will present symptoms of acute mountain sickness during the expedition at high altitude.