Diagnosis and treatment of 30 cases of high altitude sickness combined with urinary retention

Abstract

Objective To explore the diagnosis and treatment of altitude sickness combined with urinary retention. Methods 30 cases of altitude sickness combined with urinary retention were treated from April 16th to 26th,2010.They were all male,The average age of them was 24 years (range,19 -38).All were the first time entering the high altitude area (3600 -5000 m) from low altitude area (600 - 1800 m ).The urinary frequency of 25 patients reduced from 8 to 10 times/d to 2 to 4 times/d,the urine output reduced from the 1500- 2400 ml/d to 600- 800 ml/d; the other 5 patients had no urine in 12 -18 h,even had no sense to urinate.26 patients also combined with altitude pulmonary edema and 4 combined with altitude cerebral edema.30 patients had double renal columns enlarged,21 cases had urinary protein ( + ～ ++ ). Results 30 patients were exported urine 300 -600 ml within 10 min,leaded to urine 1800 -2300ml in 12 h,returned to normal voiding after catheter removal in 18 -24 h. After comprehensive treatment such as oxygen,dehydration,diuretic,sedative,antispasmodic and anti-infection,22 cases who with chest tightness,shortness of breath,dyspnea,hemoptysis foam sputum,headache,vomiting and other symptoms of jet-like improved apparently after hospital admission within 1 hour.Their heart rate downed from 90 - 145beats/min to 68 -92 beats/min,respiration from 28 -45 times/min to 18 - 28 times/min,oxygen saturation from 48％ - 84％ to 92％ - 100％ ; 8 cases who with shortness of breath,palpitation and headache improved not obviously.After the antihypertensive treatment,their blood pressure was still high (systolic blood pressure 150 - 180 mm Hg,diastolic blood pressure 90 -110 mm Hg),oxygen saturation between 78％ to 87％,so they were carried to rear area for further treatment.30 cases were all cured no death. Conclusions The high altitude urinary retention is reversible disease,which is often associated with high altitude pulmonary edema,altitude cerebral edema,acute subclinical renal dysfunction and gastrointestinal disorders.They are easily being induced by elements such as gastroenteritis,lung infection,tonsillitis,periodontitis,tiredness and so on; low atmospheric pressure,hypoxia and high altitude is the possible cause; the ratio of missed diagnosis is high; the treatment of oxygen and indwelling catheterization is better; The best method of prevention is to wear pressurized suits and adapt the environment in a ladder-step gradual way. Key words: Altitude sickness; Urinary retention; Diagnosis and treatment