| Investigating carbon monoxide exposure on Denali. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 16805142 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study assessed a potential relationship between elevated carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels and acute mountain sickness (AMS) at 4300 m on Denali. Additional analysis assessed the relationship among COHb levels, AMS, and climber characteristics and behaviors. METHODS: Participants were screened for AMS with the Lake Louise Self-Report questionnaire and answered questions focusing on AMS symptoms, prevention, and previous altitude illness. Levels of COHb were measured by serum cooximetry. Additional questions assessed stove practices, climbing practices, and climber behaviors. Nonparametric statistical analyses were performed to examine potential relationships among COHb levels, AMS symptoms, and climber behaviors. RESULTS: A total of 146 climbers participated in the study. Eighteen climbers (12.5%) were positive for carbon monoxide (CO) exposure and 20 (13.7%) met criteria for AMS. No significant relationship was observed between positive CO exposure and positive criteria for AMS. Climbers descending the mountain were 3.6 times more likely to meet the study criteria for positive CO exposure compared with those ascending the mountain (P = .42). In addition, COHb levels were significantly higher for those descending the mountain (P = .012) and for those taking prophylactic medications (P = .010). Climbers meeting positive criteria for AMS operated their stoves significantly longer (P = .047). CONCLUSIONS: No significant relationship between AMS symptoms and CO exposure was observed. This may have been affected by the low percentage of climbers reporting AMS symptoms, as well as limited power. Descending climbers had a 3.6 times increased risk of CO exposure compared with ascending climbers and had significantly higher COHb scores. Increased hours of stove operation was significantly linked to climbers who also met criteria for AMS. |
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Authors:
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Clay Roscoe; Ed Baker; Caitlin Gustafson; Todd Arndt; Jennifer Dow; Emily Johnston; Aaron Brillhart |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Wilderness & environmental medicine Volume: 17 ISSN: 1080-6032 ISO Abbreviation: Wilderness Environ Med Publication Date: 2006 |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2006-06-29 Completed Date: 2006-07-24 Revised Date: 2006-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9505185 Medline TA: Wilderness Environ Med Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 75-80 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Family Medicine Residency of Idaho, 777 Raymond St, Boise, ID 83704, USA. jclayroscoe@hotmail.com |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Acute Disease Adult Alaska Altitude Sickness / blood*, etiology, pathology Carbon Monoxide / blood* Carboxyhemoglobin / metabolism* Case-Control Studies Cookery* Female Humans Male Mountaineering* Oximetry Questionnaires Severity of Illness Index |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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630-08-0/Carbon Monoxide; 9061-29-4/Carboxyhemoglobin |
| Comments/Corrections | |
Comment In:
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Wilderness Environ Med. 2006 Summer;17(2):144-5
[PMID:
16805152
]
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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