New research findings on AMS prevention
Feb 23, 2004 20: 39 EST
As I review the latest literature on altitude and expedtion medicine, I'll pass on the tidbits to you on the website....
Just out this spring is some research done on preventative use of acetazolamide (trade name Diamox) by my friend Dr. Buddha Basnyat et al. The group studied 197 healthy trekkers in the Khumbu, enrolling them in Pheriche 4200m (starting them on acetazolamide or placebo) and interviewing them again in Lobuche 5000m to look for signs and symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). They found that people who took diamox 125 mg twice daily had HALF the incidence of AMS, and of those who got AMS, the ones on acetazolamide had a much less severe case and higher pulse oximetry readings.
Good news for folks who suffer at altitude! To read the full article, see: "Efficacy of Low Dose Acetazolamide (125mg BID) for the Prophylaxix of AMS" in High Altitude Medicine and Biology, volume 4 number 1, 2003, pp 45-52.
|
|
Feature Stories |
|
Latest News |
more news |
|
|
|
|
|
