Acute mountain sickness in children at 5100m

摘要

Objective: To compare acclimatization of children and adults to high altitude during an expedition in the Andes.Subjects and methods: 23 children (8 boys and 15 girls of 13-15 years old), and 18 adults were involved in a school project consisting of a one month trip through Chile, Peru and Bolivia, including the ascent of Parinacota (6342 m). Acute mountain sickness (AMS) was evaluated by the Lake Louise scoring system, and SaO2 was measured with a pulse oxymeter at a range of altitudes: sea level, Cusco (3400 m), Sajama village (4200 m) and altitude camp (5100 m). Data were analysed by the Student t-test.Results: Scores of AMS and SaO2 did not differ statistically in adults and children. Three adults and three children had severe AMS with some symptoms of cerebral edema at 5100 m. There was no case of pulmonary edema. A portable hyperbaric chamber was used to treat one adult and three children in conjunction with dexamethasone, except in the case of one child. Other adults were treated by rest and acetazolamide or by descent. In all cases symptoms disappeared rapidly. Conclusion: Acclimatization to high altitude is similar in adults and children aged 13-15 years.