What Researchers Did
Researchers reported on two cases of suspected high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) in children and adolescents in the Nepal Himalayas.
What They Found
Two patients, aged 12 and 16, presented with severe symptoms like headache, vomiting, and ataxia after ascending to altitudes between 3800 m and 4500 m. The study suggests HACE can affect children and recommends adult treatment protocols, including oxygen, immediate descent, and dexamethasone. A portable hyperbaric chamber can be used for simulated descent if oxygen or actual descent is not possible.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. High altitude cerebral oedema is not a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a case report of only two patients, these findings may not be generalizable to all children experiencing high altitude cerebral oedema.