High-flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy Versus Conventional Oxygen Therapy in High-altitude Pulmonary Edema
High-flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy Versus Conventional Oxygen Therapy in Patients With High-altitude Pulmonary Edema: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Third Military Medical University
200 participants
Apr 25, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study aims to evaluate whether High-flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy (HFNC) provides superior respiratory support compared to Conventional Oxygen Therapy (COT) in patients with High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Aged 18 years or older;
- Onset of symptoms related to HAPE (including dyspnea at rest, cough, or exercise intolerance) within 7 days of ascending to high altitude (≥2500m);
- Diagnosis of HAPE according to the STAR data reporting guidelines, requiring at least two symptoms (dyspnea at rest, cough, weakness/decreased exercise performance, or chest tightness/congestion) and two clinical signs (rales or wheezing in at least one lung field, central cyanosis, tachypnea, or tachycardia);
- Radiographic evidence of pulmonary edema on chest X-ray or CT;
- Refusal or inability to undergo immediate descent at the time of presentation;
- Capability and willingness to provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria11
- Known or clinically confirmed pregnancy;
- Requirement for emergency intubation (as assessed by the treating clinician) due to cardiac/respiratory arrest, hemodynamic instability, airway compromise, severe hypoxia, or impaired consciousness, etc;
- Pulmonary edema or hypoxemia resulting from other medical conditions (e.g., cardiogenic pulmonary edema, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumothorax, massive pleural effusion, chest trauma, etc.);
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤ 12;
- PaCO₂ > 55 mmHg;
- Presence of high-altitude cerebral edema;
- Receipt of any respiratory support therapy (other than conventional oxygen therapy) prior to admission;
- Presence of any contraindication to conventional or nasal oxygen therapy;
- Presence of severe medical conditions or abnormal clinical laboratory findings that, in the investigator's judgment, may pose a risk to the patient's safety or interfere with the study's execution and participant completion;
- Current participation in other clinical trials;
- Refusal to sign the informed consent form.
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Interventions
High-flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) therapy was administered using a dedicated system with integrated active humidification and a heated-wire circuit, delivered via a wide-bore nasal cannula.
Locations(1)
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NCT07536477