Effects of high-dose supplemental oxygen therapy on pulmonary haemodynamics at 3250 m in high-altitude residents at risk for pulmonary hypertension.
BMJ Open Respir ResOct 1, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPulmonology
Alessandro Vella, Julian Müller, Adilet Omuralieva et al.
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In 30 seconds
This open-label, non-randomised trial investigated the effects of high-dose supplemental oxygen therapy (SOT) on pulmonary haemodynamics in Kyrgyz highlanders at 3250 m with elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP). The study found that SOT significantly reduced sPAP from 45±11 to 31±5 mm Hg, indicating its potential to improve pulmonary haemodynamics in high-altitude residents at risk for pulmonary hypertension.
Key findings
- SOT reduced sPAP from 45±11 to 31±5 mm Hg (p<0.001).
- Cardiac output decreased from 5.1±1.2 to 4.3±1.4 L/min (p<0.001).
- Total pulmonary resistance decreased from 9.2±2.7 to 7.5±1.5 WU (p<0.001).
- A larger sPAP decrease was associated with higher baseline sPAP and younger age.
Why it matters
Understanding the effects of supplemental oxygen on pulmonary haemodynamics can inform management strategies for high-altitude residents at risk for pulmonary hypertension, potentially improving patient outcomes in this population.