Effect of Acetazolamide on Postural Control in Patients With Respiratory Disease at Altitude

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel trial evaluating the effect of acetazolamide (375 mg per day) vs. placebo on postural control at altitude (Tuja Ashu, 3200 m). Participants living in the Bishkek area, Kyrgyzstan (760m), will be transferred by car within 4h to the Tuja Ashu high altitude clinic (3200 m), and stay there for 2 days. Acetazolamide 375mg/day (or placebo) will be administered 24 hours before departure at 760 m and during the stay at altitude. Outcomes will be assessed during the stay at 3200 m. Randomization to acetazolamide or placebo will be carried out after baseline measurements in Bishkek (760 m).

Postural control will be assessed by a rectangular, stable balance platform (Wii Balance Board) measuring the body's center of gravity. The movement of the body's center of gravity will be recorded in a two-dimensional coordinate system and indicated as path length.

Inclusion criteria

• Male and female patients, age 18-75 yrs.
• COPD diagnosed according to GOLD, FEV1 40-80% predicted, SpO2 ≥92% at 750 m.
• Born, raised and currently living at low altitude (<800m).
• Written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• COPD exacerbation, very severe COPD with hypoxemia at low altitude (FEV1/FVC <0.7, FEV1 <40% predicted, oxygen saturation on room air <92% at 750 m).
• Comorbidities such as uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, i.e., unstable systemic arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease; previous stroke; OSA; pneumothorax in the last 2 months.
• Internal, neurologic, rheumatologic or psychiatric disease including current heavy smoking (>20 cigarettes per day)
• Known renal failure or allergy to acetazolamide and other sulfonamides