EFFECTS OF ACETAZOLAMIDE ON PHYSIOLOGIC AND SUBJECTIVE RESPONSES OF MEN TO 14,000 FEET
Abstract
A study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of low doses of acetazolamide in ameliorating the symptoms of altitude sickness. Subjects were placed in a low pressure chamber at either 14,000 ft. or 3,000 ft. for 24 hours. Before entering the chamber each subject took a total of 750 mg. of acetazolamide or a placebo. During their 24-hour stay, the subjects filled out a questionnaire designed to evaluate their state of well-being. End-tidal PCO2 was measured, and electrodes were applied for monitoring respiratory pattern and EEG. Subjects were given a ranking of 1 (worst) to 4 (best) comparing individual clinical states. Samples of arterial blood and cerebrospinal fluid were obtained and analyzed for pH, PO2, PCO2, CO2, HCO3(-), and lactate. Twenty-four-hour urine volumes were analyzed for Na, K, and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. Acetazolamide significantly lowered arterial and CSF HCO3(-), arterial and end-tidal PCO2, and arterial pH. The mean arterial PO2 was higher in those receiving acetazolamide, but the increase was not significant (P < .10). Pretreatment with acetazolamide was of sufficient clinical benefit to allow its recommendation prior to altitude exposure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0664901
Entities
People
- Richard S. Kronenberg
- Stephen M Cain
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine