Efficacy and safety of erythrocytapheresis in chronic mountain sickness: a randomised controlled trial protocol (ESCAPE-CMS).

In 30 seconds

This randomized controlled trial protocol investigates the efficacy and safety of erythrocytapheresis in patients with chronic mountain sickness (CMS), a condition affecting over 4 million individuals at high altitudes. The study will enroll 112 patients, comparing standard care alone to standard care plus erythrocytapheresis, with the primary outcome being the net change in CMS symptom score assessed at 48 hours post-treatment.

Key findings

• The primary efficacy endpoint is the net change in CMS symptom score at 48 hours post-erythrocytapheresis.
• The trial will include 112 eligible CMS patients randomized in a 1:1 ratio.
• Primary safety outcome involves treatment-related adverse events before discharge.

Why it matters

Understanding the efficacy of erythrocytapheresis could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with chronic mountain sickness, potentially improving their quality of life and clinical outcomes.