HIGH-ALTITUDE PULMONARY-EDEMA AT A SKI RESORT

Medical records of 150 patients with high-altitude pulmonary edema see n over a 39-month period in a Colorado Rocky Mountain ski area at 2,92 8 m (9,600 ft) (mean age, 34.4 years; 84% male) were reviewed. The mea n time to the onset of symptoms was 3 +/- 1.3 days after arrival. Comm on symptoms were dyspnea, cough, headache, chest congestion, nausea, f ever, and weakness. Orthopnea, hemoptysis, and vomiting were rare, occ urring in 7%, 6%, and 16%, respectively. Symptoms of cerebral edema oc curred in 14%. A temperature exceeding 100 degrees F occurred in 20%, and 17% had a systolic blood pressure of 150 mm of mercury or higher. Blood pressures were higher in patients older than 50 years (142 mm of mercury). Rales were present in 85%, and a pulmonary infiltrate was p resent in 88%; both were most commonly bilateral or on the right side. The amount of infiltrate was mild. Men appeared to be more susceptibl e than women to high-altitude pulmonary edema. Pulse oximetry in 45 pa tients showed a mean oxygen saturation of 74% (38% to 93%). Treatment methods depended on severity and included a return to quarters for por table nasal oxygen, an overnight stay in the clinic for continuing oxy gen, or a descent to Denver for recovery or admission to a hospital. A ll patients received oxygen for 2 to 4 hours in the clinic. There were no deaths or complications.