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. 2016 Jun 1;17(2):61–69. doi: 10.1089/ham.2016.0031

Chronic Mountain Sickness: Clinical Aspects, Etiology, Management, and Treatment

Francisco C Villafuerte 1,✉, Noemí Corante 1
PMCID: PMC4913504  PMID: 27218284

Abstract

Villafuerte, Francisco C., and Noemí Corante. Chronic mountain sickness: clinical aspects, etiology, management, and treatment. High Alt Med Biol. 17:61–69, 2016.—Millions of people worldwide live at a high altitude, and a significant number are at risk of developing Chronic Mountain Sickness (CMS), a progressive incapacitating syndrome caused by lifelong exposure to hypoxia. CMS is characterized by severe symptomatic excessive erythrocytosis (EE; Hb ≥19 g/dL for women and Hb ≥21 g/dL for men) and accentuated hypoxemia, which are frequently associated with pulmonary hypertension. In advanced cases, the condition may evolve to cor pulmonale and congestive heart failure. Current knowledge indicates a genetic predisposition to develop CMS. However, there are important risk factors and comorbidities that may trigger and aggravate the condition. Thus, appropriate medical information on CMS is necessary to provide adequate diagnosis and healthcare to high-altitude inhabitants. After reviewing basic clinical aspects of CMS, including its definition, diagnosis, and common clinical findings, we discuss aspects of its etiology, and address its epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment.

Key Words: : chronic hypoxia, chronic mountain sickness, excessive erythrocytosis, high altitude

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Introduction

Chronic mountain sickness (CMS) or Monge's disease is a highly prevalent progressive incapacitating syndrome in most high-altitude regions around the world. More than 140 million people live above 2500 m worldwide, and on average, 5%–10% are at risk of developing CMS (Leon-Velarde et al., 2005). Also, we can expect an increase of migration to altitude locations due to developing economic activities and population growth. Thus, there is the need for appropriate medical information of this condition to provide adequate diagnosis and healthcare to high-altitude inhabitants at risk of developing this syndrome.

The purpose of this review is to address clinical aspects of the condition, including its definition, diagnosis, and common clinical findings; discuss aspects of its etiology; and review its current epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment strategies.

What Is CMS and in Whom Does it Develop?

According to the international consensus on chronic and sub-acute high-altitude diseases (Leon-Velarde et al., 2005), CMS is defined as a clinical syndrome that occurs in natives or lifelong altitude residents (>2500 m), and it is characterized by excessive erythrocytosis (EE) and severe hypoxemia (Table 1). Frequently, it is associated with moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension that may evolve to cor pulmonale and lead to congestive heart failure. The clinical picture of CMS gradually disappears upon descent to low altitudes and reappears after returning to high altitude.

Table 1.

Physiological Characteristics of Healthy and CMS Andean Highlanders (4340m)

  Healthy highlanders (n) CMS Patients (n) p Reference
Hb, g/dL 17.7 ± 0.15 (44) 22.7 ± 0.25 (42) <0.001 Villafuerte et al. (2014)
Hct, % 52.9 ± 0.44 (44) 68.0 ± 0.80 (42) <0.001 Villafuerte et al. (2014)
SpO2, % 88.2 ± 0.62 (44) 84.0 ± 0.60 (42) <0.001 Villafuerte et al. (2014)
CMS score 2.7 ± 0.38 (44) 7.4 ± 0.60 (42) <0.001 Villafuerte et al. (2014)
Blood volume, mL/kg 83.6 ± 4.00 (11) 106.5 ± 8.30 (11) <0.050 Claydon et al. (2004)
PaO2, mmHg 49.0 ± 0.52 (15) 42.0 ± 0.54 (55) <0.001 Maignan et al. (2009)
PaCO2, mmHg 24.0 ± 0.26 (15) 29.0 ± 0.40 (55) <0.001 Maignan et al. (2009)
Bicarbonate, mmol/L 18.4 ± 0.28 (15) 20.3 ± 0.26 (55) <0.001 Maignan et al. (2009)
Arterial pH 7.50 ± 0.01 (15) 7.47 ± 0.00 (55) <0.001 Maignan et al. (2009)
Serum iron, μg/dL 110.3 ± 7.82 (44) 124.6 ± 13.5 (42) 0.346 Villafuerte et al. (2014)
Serum ferritin, ng/mL 136.2 ± 14.3 (44) 183.2 ± 22.4 (42) 0.074 Villafuerte et al. (2014)
Transferrin saturation, % 32.8 ± 2.38 (44) 32.8 ± 3.10 (42) 0.987 Villafuerte et al. (2014)
SBP, mmHg 104.0 ± 2.53 (10) 121.0 ± 2.27 (28) <0.001 Richalet et al. (2005)
DBP, mmHg 62.0 ± 2.53 (10) 73.0 ± 2.08 (28) 0.003 Richalet et al. (2005)
TR, mmHg (Echo) 25.0 ± 1.03 (15) 34.0 ± 1.54 (42) 0.002 Maignan et al. (2009)
mPAP, mmHg (Cath.)a 23.0 ± 1.47 (12) 47.0 ± 5.60 (10) <0.001 Peñaloza and Arias-Stella (2007)
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Values are expressed as means ± SE.

a

Measured at Morococha, Peru, 4500m by catheterization.

CMS, chronic mountain sickness; Hb, hemoglobin concentration; Hct, hematocrit; SpO2, pulse O2 saturation; SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; PaO2, arterial O2 pressure; PaCO2, arterial CO2 pressure; TR, tricuspid regurgitation gradient pressure; mPAP, mean pulmonary artery pressure.

EE is defined as two standard deviations above the mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentration value of the population at the altitude of residence (Monge et al., 1989). By consensus, the cut-off values for EE are Hb ≥19 g/dL for women and Hb ≥21 g/dL for men based on epidemiological studies in the central Andes of Perú (Cerro de Pasco, 4340 m) (Leon-Velarde et al., 2005).

There is the need, however, of further epidemiological studies to appropriately determine altitude-specific Hb distribution and prevalence of CMS.

Epidemiology

Prevalence of CMS has shown considerable variability through the different high-altitude populations worldwide. At a similar altitude and using the same diagnostic criteria, this variability could be attributed mainly to differences in ethnicity. Various ethnic groups have occupied the highlands at distant time-points in human history and, therefore, have had different periods of adaptation to chronic hypoxia. Those with a longer time at high altitude are more likely to be better adapted. In this sense, it is believed that native Tibetans and Ethiopians are the most adapted ethnic groups when compared with Andeans and Han immigrants (Moore, 2001). This adaptation is reflected essentially in a lower Hb concentration, and therefore in a lower prevalence of EE and CMS. Accordingly, the lowest values are found in Tibetans from Qinghai, China with a CMS prevalence of 1.21%; whereas in Han immigrants, it was 5.6% in the same city (Wu et al., 1998). In the Andes, the prevalence of CMS has been evaluated mainly in three locations: Puno and Cerro de Pasco in Perú; and in La Paz, Bolivia. In Puno (3800 m) the prevalence was 6% (De Ferrari et al., 2014), and in La Paz (3600 m) it was 5.2% (Spielvogel et al., 1981). The highest values were reported in Andeans from Cerro de Pasco, where the prevalence was 15.4% in men between 30 and 39 years, and reached 33% by the sixth decade of age (Monge et al., 1989). As altitude increases, an increment in prevalence values can also be observed. In the Tibetan plateau, at 2261–2980 m, CMS was found in 1.05% of the population; at 3128–3980 m, in 3.75%; and at 4000–5226 m, in 11.83% (Wu et al., 1998). Also, a study in Himachal Pradesh, India, between 2350 and 3000 m reported no cases of CMS; whereas between 3000 and 4150 m, the prevalence was 13.3% (Sahota and Panwar, 2013).

Diagnosis

CMS (primary CMS) is diagnosed based on the absence of any condition that may aggravate hypoxemia and lead to the development of EE. Cases of chronic pulmonary disease (such as pulmonary emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer), or other underlying chronic medical conditions that worsen hypoxemia are consistent with development of secondary CMS. Normal respiratory function should be confirmed by lung function tests.

Once causes for secondary CMS are discarded, diagnosis of primary CMS is based on the presence of clinical symptoms, including headache, dizziness, breathlessness and/or palpitations, sleep disturbances, fatigue, localized cyanosis, burning in the palms of hands and soles of feet, dilatation of veins, muscle and joint pain, loss of appetite, lack of mental concentration, and alterations of memory. Clinical signs include EE, severe hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension (not mandatory, mPAP >30 mmHg or PASP >50 mmHg measured at the altitude of residence), and signs of mild or moderate congestive heart failure (not mandatory). Of note, given the altitude dependence of SpO2 and the significant variability of Hb concentration with SpO2 (up to 15% in the SpO2 range of 70%–85%), it is difficult to adopt a single threshold value for defining accentuated or severe hypoxemia. Nevertheless, some cut-off values have been proposed for different regions and altitudes. Epidemiological studies in Peru at 4340 m proposed a threshold SpO2 < 83% (Monge et al., 1992) or <81.5% (Leon-Velarde et al., 1994); whereas for the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, the Chinese High Altitude Medical Association proposed a threshold of <85% (CHAMA, 1996). The severity of CMS is assessed using the Qinghai Score based on Hb concentration (presence or absence of EE) and on the presence and extent of a group of signs and symptoms agreed by international consensus as shown in Table 2 (Leon-Velarde et al., 2005). According to the sum of individual scores of each sign and symptom, the presence and severity of CMS is assessed as shown in Table 3.

Table 2.

The Qinghai Score for CMS

Signs or symptoms Score
Breathlessness and/or palpitations 0 No breathlessness/palpitations
  1 Mild breathlessness/palpitations
  2 Moderate breathlessness/palpitations
  3 Severe breathlessness/palpitations
Sleep disturbance 0 Slept as well as usual
  1 Did not sleep as well as usual
  2 Woke up many times, poor night's sleep
  3 Could not sleep at all
Cyanosis 0 No cyanosis
  1 Mild cyanosis
  2 Moderate cyanosis
  3 Severe cyanosis
Dilatation of veins 0 No dilatation of veins
  1 Mild dilatation of veins
  2 Moderate dilatation of veins
  3 Severe dilatation of veins
Paresthesia 0 No paresthesia
  1 Mild paresthesia
  2 Moderate paresthesia
  3 Severe paresthesia
Headache 0 No headache
  1 Mild headache symptoms
  2 Moderate headache
  3 Severe headache, incapacitating
Tinnitus 0 No tinnitus
  1 Mild tinnitus
  2 Moderate tinnitus
  3 Severe tinnitus
Hemoglobin concentration Men:
  <21 g/dL; score = 0
  ≥21 g/dL; score = 3
  Women:
  <19 g/dL; score = 0
  ≥19 g/dL; score = 3
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Table 3.

Assessment of CMS Severity with Total Qinghai Score

Total score CMS
0–5 Absent
6–10 Mild
11–14 Moderate
>15 Severe
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Common Clinical Findings and Co-Morbidities in CMS

Excessive erythocytosis is accompanied by hypervolemia and generalized dilatation of blood vessels. Patients appear deeply cyanotic as a result of EE and hypoxemia. Characteristic clubbing of fingers and toes is commonly observed. Mucous membranes of the mouth and throat show deep cyanosis (Fig. 1). The eyes appear watery and the conjunctivae are markedly hyperemic, with prominently distended capillary patterns. Retinal vessels are also dilated and congested (Hurtado, 1942; Monge, 1943; Winslow and Monge, 1987; Claydon et al., 2004).

FIG. 1.

FIG. 1.

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Typical CMS patient. Note the deep purplish color of lips and gums as a consequence of EE and low SpO2. Vein dilatation is particularly evident in the lower limbs, and characteristic clubbing of fingers and marked cyanosis are evident in nail beds and palms of the hands. CMS, chronic mountain sickness; EE, excessive erythrocytosis.

Patients are likely to complain of decreased exercise tolerance and bone and joint pain, although there is controversy whether aerobic capacity is decreased in these subjects (Winslow and Monge, 1987; Groepenhoff et al., 2012). There is also a characteristic complaint of dyspnea, insomnia, dizziness, headache, paresthesias, and mental confusion (Monge, 1943; Winslow and Monge, 1987; Leon-Velarde et al., 2014). Moderate hemoptysis and epistaxis episodes are also common (Hurtado, 1942; Monge, 1942, 1943). Occasionally, subjects may have symptomatic diastolic hypertension, and sometimes, systolic hypertension (Winslow and Monge, 1987).

Radiographic examination reveals increased cardiac size, mainly due to right-ventricular hypertrophy (Peñaloza et al., 1971). The main pulmonary artery is prominent in all patients, and pulmonary vascular markings are accentuated in the central and peripheral regions of the lung fields (Peñaloza et al., 1971; Peñaloza and Arias-Stella, 2007). The right atrium frequently appears enlarged. Pulmonary vasculature is congested, and left-ventricular hypertrophy occurs in advanced cases. Electrocardiogram often shows a p-pulmonale pattern, right QRS deviation, rS pattern in the right precordial leads, complexes of RS or rS type in the left precordial leads, and negative T waves in the right precordial leads (Peñaloza and Arias-Stella, 2007).

Autopsy of CMS patients shows generalized brain and visceral congestion. Pulmonary arterial branches show marked muscularization exceeding normal values for the altitude of residence. Also, intimal thickening in small- and medium-sized pulmonary branches is observed as well as the presence of multiple pulmonary arterial thrombi (Arias-Stella, 1971).

Functionally, in addition to increased pulmonary arteriolar muscularization, an augmented degree of arteriolar vasoconstriction appears to contribute to the accentuated pulmonary hypertension in CMS patients, resulting in the characteristic cardiac enlargement (Peñaloza and Arias-Stella, 2007). EE and systemic diastolic hypertension might also contribute to increased cardiac size. Chronic cor pulmonale and congestive signs of heart failure are observed in severe or advanced CMS cases (Peñaloza et al., 1971). Common death causes include cardiac insufficiency and strokes.

At present, there are no data on mortality by CMS. However, a considerable burden of the disease has been calculated for Chinese immigrants at Tibet (Pei et al., 2012), and it can be increased by co-morbidities associated with the disease, such as metabolic syndrome and vascular dysfunction (Rimoldi et al., 2012; De Ferrari et al., 2014). Elevated serum triglycerides, reduced HDL levels, systolic or diastolic hypertension, and insulin resistance might also be independently associated with the condition (Leon-Velarde and Arregui, 1994; Jefferson et al., 2002; Okumiya et al., 2010, 2011; Sherpa et al., 2011; Gonzales and Tapia, 2013; De Ferrari et al., 2014). Also, elevated Hb concentration in CMS patients increases the production of pro-inflammatory markers and is associated with the presence of oxidative–nitrosative stress (Bailey et al., 2013). Inflammatory and oxidative damage to the vascular endothelium contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and the consequent increment in the risk of cardiovascular events (Stocker and Keaney, 2004) such as vascular occlusion, myocardial ischemia, and stroke.

What Causes CMS?

Chronic hypoxic exposure is widely accepted as the underlying cause of CMS. However, its fundamental pathophysiological mechanism is still not completely clear. The loss of ventilatory acclimatization to altitude hypoxia leading to central hypoventilation has been proposed as the principal mechanism explaining accentuated hypoxemia and the subsequent excessive erythropoietic response (Leon-Velarde and Richalet, 2006; Fig. 2). The relationship between SpO2, Hb, and the main erythropoietic hormone, erythropoietin (Epo) is, however, less clear. Contrary to what can be expected, there is no correlation between morning Epo and SpO2 or Hb in CMS patients. This lack of correlation is the result of the existence of two sub-groups of CMS patients: those with normal Epo values similar to those of healthy highlanders, and those with high serum Epo. Recently, this lack of correlation has been concealed by considering the concept of Epo availability rather than Epo concentration (Villafuerte et al., 2014). The ratio of serum Epo to its soluble receptor (sEpoR), an endogenous antagonist of Epo action, represents an index of circulating Epo availability. Lower sEpoR levels and higher Epo-to-sEpoR ratios show good correlation with Hb during daytime and nighttime (Villafuerte et al., 2014, 2016). Also recently, the lack of correlation of circulating Epo with Hb concentration in CMS has been explained in terms of an increase in local Epo production in the bone marrow, without an increase in plasma Epo concentration (Su et al., 2015).

FIG. 2.

FIG. 2.

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Relationship between hematocrit and pulmonary ventilation in native Andean healthy highlanders (●) and CMS patients (○) at 4500 m. The figure shows the inverse relationship between these two variables using individual data points. Reproduced from Winslow and Monge (1987).

The significant variability in the apparent causes of EE and CMS suggests that the origin of the condition involves multiple levels. Some patients develop severe hypoxemia due to evident depressed ventilation during day or night and trigger excessive erythrocyte production. Some patients, on the other hand, develop EE with moderate hypoxemia but increased plasma Epo availability or local Epo production. Evidence at different levels suggests a genetic basis for EE and CMS. Recently, a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the SENP1 gene, which encodes a protease that regulates erythropoiesis, was found to be linked to EE (Zhou et al., 2013; Cole et al., 2014; Hsieh et al., 2016). Furthermore, this association is supported by functional studies at the cellular level where fibroblasts obtained from CMS patients express less SENP1 protein than their healthy counterparts when exposed to hypoxia (Zhou et al., 2013). This is an important observation since physiologically a lower expression of this gene supposes an enhanced erythropoietic activity. Also recently, a polymorphic variant of the VEGF-A gene was reported to be associated with CMS (Espinoza et al., 2014), indicating a possible genetic basis for vascular differences between CMS patients and healthy highlanders. These are still very early but encouraging findings in the linkage of specific genes to the presence and development of EE and CMS. There is, however, the need to explore further specific gene associations that may explain the observed multi-level differences such as those in the control of ventilation, hypoxic reactivity of pulmonary artery pressure, vascular control, and the distinct steps of erythropoiesis and metabolism.

Risk Factors

History of CMS, history of lack of respiratory sensitivity to hypoxia and hypoventilation, sleep apnea and all hypopneas, accentuated hypoxemia, advanced age, male gender, post-menopausal state, and overweight are all risk factors for CMS (Wu et al., 1998; Leon-Velarde et al., 2005).

Given the relevance of inherited traits in the physiological adaptation to high altitude, CMS is more likely to occur in individuals with a family history of the condition, and with a reduced respiratory response to hypoxic stimulus. In the absence of other health complications, CMS prevalence within a particular population varies considerably between gender and age ranges. A higher prevalence is observed in men than in women, and in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women (Leon-Velarde et al., 1997; Wu et al., 1998; Leon-Velarde et al., 2001). Possibly, premenopausal women present a protection against the development of EE given by an effect of female hormones on ventilation, and by menstruation acting as regular natural phlebotomies (Moore, 2000). Increasing prevalence of CMS can also be observed with advancing age (Monge et al., 1989; De Ferrari et al., 2014). In Cerro de Pasco, Perú, the prevalence of CMS among young adults (20–29 years) is around 7% but it can reach 33% in elders (>60 years). The effect of age on hematocrit could be associated with a natural age-dependent reduction in ventilation and the consequent accentuation of arterial hypoxemia (Sime et al., 1975). Nocturnal hypoxemia has also been suggested as a potential risk factor for the development of CMS. Patients suffering from the syndrome spend a higher percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation below 80% when compared with healthy highlanders (Kryger et al., 1978a; Spicuzza et al., 2004). However, there is still controversy over whether this accentuated hypoxemia is related to sleep-disordered breathing (Kryger et al., 1978a; Sun et al., 1996; Spicuzza et al., 2004). Finally, there is a higher prevalence of the syndrome among those with overweight and obesity (BMI >25 kg/m2) (Leon-Velarde and Arregui, 1994; De Ferrari et al., 2014).

Management and Treatment

Nonpharmacological reduction of EE

The clinical manifestations of CMS gradually disappear after descending to lower altitudes or sea level, and they reappear after returning to a high altitude. Although this practice is very effective in managing the condition, it represents a temporary solution unless the patient moves permanently to a lower-altitude location. Evidence from clinical practice indicates that periodic travel to lower altitudes prevents Hb values from reaching excessive levels. In severe cases, however, and although impractical for social, family, and economic reasons, the patients should move permanently to a lower altitude. Phlebotomy is another frequent practice that is used to reduce red blood cell mass and Hb concentration, at least close to values considered normal for the altitude of residence. Although no randomized controlled trials on the safety and efficacy of this therapy have been carried out, several studies show that phlebotomy with or without isovolemic hemodilution reduces hematocrit, improves oxygenation, and leads to relief of symptomatology (Cruz et al., 1979; Wu, 1979; Klein, 1983; Winslow et al., 1985). There are, however, two key concerns regarding this practice related to iron deficiency and a rebound effect on Hb concentration. Smith et al. (2009) showed that decreasing hematocrit from 73% to 59% in CMS patients at 4340 m caused iron deficiency, which increases pulmonary artery pressure and may aggravate pulmonary hypertension. The second concern arises from the common observation in clinical practice that if the patient stays at a high altitude, hematocrit usually reaches and exceeds pretreatment values within a few weeks with a recurrence of symptoms. Therefore, in the long term, counterproductive effects on hematocrit may result in an aggravated CMS condition. Unfortunately, there are no systematic reports with follow-up on quantitative measurements and symptomatology after different extents of phlebotomy. It is believed that isovolemic hemodilution is safer than phlebotomy without volume replacement and that it allows a longer lasting improvement of symptoms. Due to its transient effects, invasive nature, and potential counterproductive effects, phlebotomy results in an impractical long-term treatment for EE and CMS.

Physical exercise has been proposed as a more practical noninvasive, nonpharmacological alternative treatment. Evidence suggests that aerobic exercise might play a beneficial role in decreasing the erythrocytic mass and in reducing CMS symptomatology. Cornolo et al. (2005) showed that Hb concentration in native high-altitude athletes is similar to sea-level values, and significantly lower than Hb values observed in nonathlete healthy highlanders at the same altitude. However, physical exercise in CMS patients has to be performed with care due to the development of severe pulmonary hypertension (Stuber et al., 2010; Pratali et al., 2012). Evidence from clinical practice supports the positive effect of exercise on hematocrit and CMS symptomatology in patients who started a regular mild exercise regime. It is not yet clear, however, whether the reduction of Hb concentration is a consequence of improved oxygenation due to training, increased exercise-related hemolysis, or both. Nevertheless, regular exercise training is an interesting nonpharmacological approach in the treatment of EE and deserves further research.

Pharmacological reduction of EE

Several pharmacological approaches have shown promising results in the treatment of EE and CMS. Among these, ACE inhibitors (Vargas et al., 1996; Plata et al., 2002), dopaminergic antagonists, and ventilatory stimulants such as medroxyprogesterone (Kryger et al., 1978b) and almitrine (Villena et al., 1985) have been assessed for the treatment of EE in CMS (Table 4). However, few studies show clinical evidence for safety and efficacy in CMS treatment. In this review, we focus on the treatment of EE with acetazolamide, a systemic sulphonamide inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, as it has the most recent and longer-term randomized controlled trials with clinical significance in the treatment of CMS.

Table 4.

Pharmacological Approaches for the Treatment of CMS

Pharmacological agent Dose Number of CMS participants Duration Altitude Outcome Reference
Enalapril 10 mg/day 10: 7m–3f 30 days 4300 m Hct decreased from 66% to 64% after 2 weeks of treatment and remained stable for the following 2 weeks. Improvement in signs and symptoms. Vargas et al. (1996)
Enalapril 5 mg/day 13: 11m–2f 2 years 3600 m Reduction in Hb (2.4 g/dL after 1 year and 4.3 g/dL after 2 years), Hct (3.9% after 1 year and 6.7% after 2 years), and proteinuria (74.1 mg/24 h after 1 year and 110.9 mg/24 h after 2 years). Plata et al. (2002)
Medroxy-progesterone 20 mg/3 times per day 17 m 10 weeks 3100 m SpO2 increased from 83.9% to 89.6%, and Hct decreased from 60.1% to 52.1%. Improvement in signs and symptoms. Kryger et al. (1978)
Almitrine 1.5 mg/kg/day 12 4 weeks 3600 m Hct decreased by 3.5%. Villena et al. (1985)
Acetazolamide 250 mg/day 9 m 3 weeks 4300 m Hct decreased by 7.1%; Epo, by 67%; and PETCO2, by 14.2%. Nocturnal SpO2 and PETO2 increased by 4.3% and 6.5%, respectively. Improvement in signs and symptoms. Richalet et al. (2005)
Acetazolamide 250 mg/day 34 m 12 weeks 4300 m Hct decreased from 69% to 64%, and SpO2 increased from 82% to 84%. Improvement in signs and symptoms. Richalet et al. (2008)
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m, male; f, female; PETO2, end-tidal PO2; PETCO2, PCO2.

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies assessed the efficacy and safety of acetazolamide treatment in CMS patients in Cerro de Pasco. Results showed that acetazolamide (250 mg/day) decreased hematocrit, serum Epo, and serum transferrin; and it increased PaO2 and serum ferritin. Also, acetazolamide increased nocturnal SpO2 and reduced the number of apnea–hypopnea episodes and pulmonary vascular resistance. The decrease in Epo was attributed mainly to the acetazolamide-induced increase in ventilation and SpO2 (Richalet et al., 2005, 2008).

Overall, acetazolamide reduces hypoventilation and blunts erythropoiesis. Also, it improves pulmonary circulation without adverse effects. Its implementation as a chronic treatment for this disease appears efficient and safe. Longer trials would be advisable to assess potential long-term consequences of the chronic inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the different organs and systems.

Recommendations

Given the progressive and incapacitating nature of CMS, periodic check-ups (∼1 year) on Hb concentration or hematocrit, and associated comorbidities are necessary. Also, periodic travel to lower altitudes is recommended for those close to or with diagnosed EE. Heavy exercise should be avoided, and mild/moderate exercise should be performed only under a supervised controlled regime. Treatment with acetazolamide (250 mg/day) is safe up to 6 months. Severe cases should move permanently to a lower altitude or sea level.

Acknowledgments

F.C.V. is supported by a Wellcome Trust Public Health and Tropical Medicine Intermediate Fellowship. The authors would like to thank Cecilia Anza-Ramirez for assistance in preparing this article.

Author Disclosure Statement

No competing financial interests exist.

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