The Characteristics of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema in Naqu at the
Altitude of 4,500 m
Abstract
Purpose: High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) has rapid onset and
development, and may be life-threatening if not treated in time. It is
important to correctly identify and recognize the characteristics of
HAPE and to provide timely treatment. We aimed to summarize the
characteristics of patients with HAPE by analyzing their general
information, clinical symptoms, examination and laboratory results.
Methods: 429 HAPE patients were enrolled in our study, and 200 of them
were divided into three groups according to the period from their
arrival in Naqu to the onset of the disease. We collected and analyzed
the demographic information, results of laboratory tests, imaging and
electrocardiography of all the participants at admission. The patients’
results of laboratory tests and imaging at admission were compared with
those at discharge. The results of blood routine were compared among
different groups. Results: Most of the HAPE patients were male
(90.21%). The average white blood cell and neutrophil counts, alanine
aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, uric acid level,
lactic dehydrogenase and creatine kinase levels were increased among
HAPE patients at admission. The counts of white blood cell, neutrophil
and lymphocyte, and the concentration of hemoglobin in HAPE patients at
admission were higher than those at discharge (p<0.05).The
counts of white blood cell and neutrophil were higher in the patients
who developed the disease within 1 day than in those who developed the
disease in more than 7 days (p<0.05). Conclusion: The
proportion of males in HAPE patients was higher. Hepatocyte and
myocardium in HAPE patients were more likely to be damaged. The white
blood cell and neutrophil counts were significantly higher than normal
range, and their increment was reduced as the incubation period
extended.