Letter: Furosemide for high altitude pulmonary edema.

Abstract

To the Editor.— The recent reply to a question regarding first aid equipment and acclimatization in mountain climbing (232:657, 1975) merits comment. Dr Mason suggests that furosemide (Lasix) given in large doses orally and intravenously may have dramatic beneficial effect in the treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). A case is described in which 120 mg orally and 80 mg intravenously were given, resulting in a 4,000-ml diuresis in 6 1/2 hours, with allegedly beneficial results. Unfortunately, such anecdotal reports have led to the indiscriminate use of furosemide in the treatment of HAPE as well as for the prevention of mountain sickness. Recently, a climbing party leader requested information about giving furosemide to all members of his party to prevent mountain sickness! Dr Mason points out that drug prophylaxis has been disappointing. It should be pointed out that there is insufficient evidence from appropriately conducted clinical studies that furosemide