Continuous positive airway pressure increases haemoglobin O2 saturation after acute but not prolonged altitude exposure

Abstract

After ascent excessive lung fluids accumulate affecting haemoglobin oxygen saturation and, in these circumstances, CPAP is effective. Acclimatization implies spontaneous haemoglobin oxygen saturation increase and, after prolonged altitude exposure, CPAP is not associated with HbO(2)-sat increase suggesting a reduction in alveolar fluids.