Right-heart response to short-term low oxygen in people with past HAPE
Official title: Effect of Acute Hypoxia on RIght VEntRicular Function. A Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Trial.
Run by University of Zurich · NCT07431554 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether brief exposure to simulated high altitude (low oxygen) changes right-heart function in adults who previously had high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2030 |
| Study ends | January 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07431554 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–80 with confirmed or suspected past HAPE who live below 800 m and have not had recent exposure above 2,500 m within the prior three weeks are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with other diagnosed cardiopulmonary disease, pregnancy or lactation, permanent residence above 800 m, recent high-altitude exposure, or inability to complete study procedures are not eligible and are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with past HAPE will be exposed, in random order, to three simulated oxygen levels corresponding roughly to 490 m, 2,500 m and 4,000 m both at rest and during light cycling exercise using a controlled gas mixture. The trial uses a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design so each participant experiences all conditions without knowing which is being simulated. Right ventricular function will be measured noninvasively with speckle-tracking echocardiography, and investigators will also record heart rate, blood pressure, blood gases, tissue oxygenation and symptoms such as shortness of breath. The study is single-center and focuses on acute (short-term) physiologic responses rather than long-term outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help identify who with past HAPE is at risk for right-heart strain at altitude and inform safer guidance for mountain activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown acute right-ventricular changes during simulated hypoxia and used speckle-tracking echocardiography, but applying these methods specifically to people with past HAPE is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Signed informed consent * Diagnosed or suspicion of past HAPE * 18-80 years (age group young: 18-39.99 years / age group older: 40-80 years) * All sex and genders * Living \<800m and without altitude exposure \> 2500 m and \> 24h within the last three weeks Exclusion Criteria: * \<18, \>80 years old * Any other diagnosed cardiopulmonary condition * Other clinically significant severe concomitant disease states (e.g. renal, hepatic dysfunction, etc.) * Inability to follow the procedures of the study due to language problems, psychological neurological disorders or orthopaedic disorders * Participants permanently living \>800m and altitude exposure \> 2500 m and \>24h within the last three weeks * Pregnancy: Participants will be asked if pregnant or not, no screening for undetected pregnancy * Lactating women * Participation in other study with active treatment
Where it's running
-
Consultant Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mona Lichtblau — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Mona Lichtblau, PD Dr. med.
- Email: mona.lichtblau@usz.ch
- Phone: +41 442552220
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.