Risk determinants of acute mountain sickness in trekkers in the Nepali Himalaya: a 36-year follow-up

Abstract

Introduction: Non-acclimatized trekkers risk developing acute mountain sickness (AMS) at high altitudes.We surveyed trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal (peak 5,416 m) to assess AMS incidence and risk factors. Results were compared to 1986, 1998, and 2010 surveys. Methods: Paper and electronic surveys were distributed to English-speaking trekkers who stopped at the Manang Aid Post (3,500 m). AMS was assessed with the Lake Louise Score (LLS; cutoffs ‡3 and ‡5) and the Environmental Symptom Questionnaire AMS-C score (cutoff ‡0.7). Results: One hundred and forty-three surveys were returned. Incidence of AMS was 45%, 29%, and 19% (LLS ‡3, LLS ‡5, and AMS-C). AMS incidence was similar to that in 2010 and lower than in 1986 and 1998. In this study, body mass index (BMI) was a significant risk factor for AMS. Seventy-five percent of trekkers had elementary awareness of AMS, compared to 42% in 2010. Trekkers had slower ascent rates and 49% used prophylactic acetazolamide, compared to 44% (2010), 12% (1998), and 1% (1986). Conclusions: BMI was a predictor of AMS. Awareness of AMS was greater when compared to past studies; however, AMS rates stayed relatively stable between 2010 and the present. Whether awareness reduces the incidence of other potentially lethal altitude illnesses requires further investigation.