Total Body Water Dynamics Estimated with Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide After Exposure to Hypobaric Hypoxia: A Field Study

Abstract

Strapazzon, Giacomo, Matiram Pun, Tomas Dal Cappello, Emily Procter, Piergiorgio Lochner, Hermann Brugger, and Antonio Piccoli. Total body water dynamics estimated with bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and B-type natriuretic peptide after exposure to hypobaric hypoxia: A field study. High Alt Med Biol. 18:384–391, 2017.—The relationship between total body water (TBW) dynamics and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a stable metabolite of B-type natriuretic peptide, during acute high altitude exposure is not known. To investigate this, we transported 19 healthy lowland subjects to 3830 m with a helicopter after baseline measurements (262 m). The physiological measurements and clinical assessments were taken at 9, 24, 48, and 72 hours and on the eighth day of altitude exposure. A bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) from height corrected Resistance–Reactance (R-Xc graph) was used to estimate TBW status. NT-proBNP was measured from venous blood samples. The changes in impedance vector were lengthened at 9 (p = 0.011), 48 (p = 0.033), and 72 hours (p = 0.015) indicating dehydration compared to baseline. However, there was no dehydration at 24 hours (p > 0.05) from the baseline and the subjects trended to get euhydrated from 9 to 24 hours (p = 0.097). The maximum percent changes in vector length from the baseline were within 10%–15%. There was a significant increase of natural logarithm (ln)(NT-proBNP) after ascent with a peak at 24 hours, although similarly to BIVA values, ln(NT-proBNP) returned to baseline after 8 days of altitude exposure. The changes in impedance vector length were not correlated with the changes in ln(NT-proBNP) (r = −0.101, p = 0.656). In conclusion, the dehydration at high altitude as reflected by 10%–15% vector lengthening falls within “appropriate dehydration” in healthy lowland subjects. NT-proBNP does not simply reflect the TBW status during acute high altitude exposure and needs further investigation.

Introduction

The decrease in partial pressure of oxygen with increasing altitude triggers a number of physiological responses among lowlanders (West, 2004). Within hours of arrival at high altitude, physiological responses such as an increase in heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and diuresis occur. Hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) quickly leads to respiratory alkalosis and the kidneys directly respond with an augmented diuresis to correct the increase in blood pH (Leaf and Goldfarb, 2007).

Clinically, dehydration is considered a risk factor for acute mountain sickness (AMS) (Norris et al., 2012), especially if associated with the physical exertion (Richardson et al., 2009a, 2009b; Castellani et al., 2010), although findings from normobaric hypoxic chamber exposure do not seem consistent with this finding (Gatterer et al., 2013). Studies from the field suggest that fluid intake is associated with decreased incidence of AMS (Basnyat et al., 1999; Nerin et al., 2006). However, the definitive quantification of total body water (TBW) dynamics over the period of hours to days in healthy subjects exposed to hypobaric hypoxia remains unknown.

Benign forms of peripheral edema (i.e., swelling in limbs and face) are a common feature at altitude and usually resolve immediately on descent. This nonspecific edema could be interpreted as fluid retention linked to the pathogenesis of altitude illnesses (Hackett and Rennie, 1979; Hackett et al., 1981), although there has never been a systematic investigation to clarify this association. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using the bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) method is a convenient and may be more accurate method to estimate overall TBW status (Piccoli et al., 1994, 1996; Lukaski and Piccoli, 2012) than BIA alone in some circumstances (Fulco et al., 1992). BIVA has been successfully used to monitor body water status in different clinical settings such as renal failure patients (Piccoli, 2010), obese subjects (Buffa et al., 2013), athletes (Pollastri et al., 2016), and also during high altitude sojourns (Piccoli et al., 1996).

The B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), produced by the ventricles of the heart, physiologically regulates vasodilation, diuresis, sodium excretion, inhibition of renin secretion, and suppression of aldosterone synthesis (Weber and Hamm, 2006). The BNP is elevated during high altitude exposure and is associated with increased AMS incidence (Feddersen et al., 2009; Woods et al., 2011a; Mellor et al., 2014) and severity, with an apparent net gain in TBW based on BIA measurements (Woods et al., 2012). However, the association of BNP with TBW dynamics at high altitude has not been monitored using the BIVA method.

Therefore, we implemented the BIVA technique to monitor TBW status during an acute, passive rapid ascent to high altitude and after an extended length of altitude exposure of up to 8 days in total. In addition, we also explored the association between BIVA and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP, a stable metabolite of BNP), plus associated biochemical analyses derived from venous blood and urine samples.

Methods

Study subjects and high altitude exposure

A total of 19 healthy Caucasians were recruited. Subjects were excluded if they were <18 years of age or had acute or chronic cardiovascular, pulmonary, or renal diseases. The subjects were instructed to avoid any medications that would affect study outcome (i.e., acetazolamide and steroids). However, if subjects needed any medication during the study, the study physician was consulted and treatment was recorded. Subjects requiring additional treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents were included into the study protocol.

Subjects adhered to a standardized food and fluid intake regime with regular meals. Additional fluid intake was ad libitum during the study period, and total fluid intake was monitored using a questionnaire. The mean daily fluid intake reported was ∼2 L/day during the high altitude stay.

In this study, the preacclimatization (recent altitude exposure) was defined as a stay of several days at ≥3000 m and/or day tours ≥3000 m in the 2 months before the study.

Complete data were obtained for only 11 subjects because of logistical challenges and exclusion criteria for collected data, as illustrated in Figure 1.

FIG. 1.

Study design and data collection. Body water dynamics during acute acclimatization phase to 3830 m was analyzed for 11 subjects.

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Bolzano General Hospital (number 0073450-BZ) and was conformed according to the Declaration of Helsinki (2008) (World Medical Association, 2013). Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects. The study was registered in the Clinical Trail Registry (www.clinicaltrials.gov, Trial Registration No.: NCT01794130).

Data collection

Subjects underwent a screening examination and baseline measurement at the Eurac Research Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Bolzano, Italy (altitude 262 m; barometric pressure 738 mmHg; oxygen partial pressure 143.16 mmHg). The subjects were transported by helicopter to the Mt. Ortler study site (altitude 3830 m; barometric pressure 485 mmHg; oxygen partial pressure 102 mmHg), in the Italian Alps where they spent 8 days without undue physical exertion. The clinical examination and physiological measurements were taken at 9, 24, 48, and 72 hours and on the eighth day in a warm medical tent at a controlled temperature at the study site as described elsewhere, to reproduce baseline conditions (Strapazzon et al., 2014, 2015). The clinical examination and physiological measurements included BIA, oxygen saturation (SpO₂; Handheld Pulse Oximeter NPB-40, Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc., Pleasanton, CA), HR, breathing rate, and Lake Louise Score (LLS). Venous blood and urine samples were taken at 9, 24, and 72 hours and on the eighth day. On the Mt. Ortler glacier, samples were collected every morning after sleep (apart from those after 9 hours).

BIA and BIVA measurements

BIA was completed with an impedance plethysmograph that emits an 800 μA, 50 kHz alternating current (BIA-101 Anniversary, AKERN SRL, Firenze, Italy). Measurements were taken with subjects in a supine position, post 15 minutes of rest. Surface contact electrodes (BIATRODES; Akern, Florence, Italy) were placed on the right hand and foot following manufacturer's guidelines. The BIA measurement yielded Resistance (R), Reactance (Xc), and Phase Angle. The BIA data on body water status were analyzed according to the BIVA method (Piccoli et al., 1994; Piccoli, 2010). The bivariate analysis of height corrected Resistance (R/H) and Reactance (Xc/H) gives rise to the R-Xc graph in which an impedance vector reflects overall body water balance, without any assumption of body composition (Piccoli et al., 1996). The direction and length of the impedance vector in the bivariate plane of the R-Xc graph are considered a reliable estimation of body water status, also at high altitude (Piccoli et al., 1994, 1996; Piccoli, 2010). The changes in the vector length at different time points of high altitude exposure are reported with corresponding 95% confidence ellipses.

NT-proBNP and other biochemical parameters

The biochemical parameters NT-proBNP, urea, creatinine, sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), and osmolality were analyzed from venous blood and urine samples. Venous blood samples were collected in serum/plasma tubes, centrifuged, and separated. Urine samples were collected in a sterile container provided to the subjects. All samples were stored in multiple aliquots at −80°C until assayed. The NT-proBNP was assayed using a VIDAS NT-proBNP2 Test Kit (bioMerieux SA, Marcy l'Etoile, France). The test kits are enzyme linked fluorescent assays (ELFA immunoassay) using monoclonal antibodies VIDAS. The VIDAS NT-proBNP2 assay has a linearity from 15 to 25,000 pg/mL with a value >125 pg/mL indicative of congestive cardiac failure. The mean coefficient of variation is 6% for intra- and 3% for interassay precision.

Statistical analysis

Data analysis for the BIVA measurements was carried out on 11 subjects as illustrated in Figure 1 (a number comparable to previous studies) (Piccoli et al., 1996; Ermolao et al., 2011). A reported value of <20 pg/mL for NT-proBNP was considered 10 pg/mL for the calculations, due to assay precision limitations. To reduce variability, NT-proBNP values were transformed using a natural logarithm (ln). Vector length was calculated as the hypotenuse of individual impedance values (Lukaski et al., 2007). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures was used to analyze changes over time of study variables and biochemical parameters until 72 hours because data were available for only six subjects on the eighth day. Comparison of two time points was carried out by means of paired samples t-test. As the LLS was not normally distributed, the Friedman test was used instead of repeated measures ANOVA, plus Wilcoxon signed rank test was used instead of paired samples t-test. Similarly, multivariate ANOVA for repeated measures with Wilks' Lambda test was used to analyze changes over time in the impedance vector until 72 hours, plus paired one sample Hotelling's T² test to calculate significant vector displacements. Holm–Bonferroni post hoc corrections were applied to all pairwise comparisons. A correlation coefficient for repeated observations (Bland and Altman, 1995) was used to detect if changes in NT-proBNP and vector length were correlated with changes in other parameters up until 72 hours. One of the two female subjects had extremely high NT-proBNP values without clinically relevant signs and symptoms and was excluded from the correlation analysis; the correlation analysis was carried out using data from 10 subjects. The statistical software SPSS version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used for all statistical analyses, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Values in each table are reported as mean ± standard deviation unless stated otherwise.

Results

In total, 2 of the 11 subjects were female and 6 subjects reported preacclimatization. Subject characteristics are reported in Table 1. BIVA measurements (mean values), blood pressure, HR, RR, SpO₂, and LLS are reported in Table 2. One subject developed AMS at 24 hours (LLS = 5), but none of the subjects had a clinically relevant reduction in appetite, nausea, or vomiting during the study period. HR, RR, and SpO₂ showed changes during the first 72 hours (p < 0.001, p = 0.016, and p < 0.001, respectively). HR was higher at 9 and 24 hours compared to baseline (p = 0.022 and p = 0.001, respectively), while SpO₂ remained lower for the whole period compared to baseline (p < 0.001 for every time point until 72 hours, p = 0.005 for 8 days).

Table 1.

Subject Characteristics

Variable	Mean ± SD or n (%)
Subjects	11
Age, years	37 ± 9
Male, n (%)	9 (82)
Height, cm	175 ± 8
Weight, kg	73 ± 9
BMI, kg/m²	23.6 ± 1.8
Body fat, %	22.0 ± 3.6
Altitude of residence, m	530 ± 400
Preacclimatization, n (%)	6 (55)

BMI, body mass index; f, female; m, male; n, number; SD, standard deviation.

Table 2.

Bioimpedance, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, SpO₂, Lake Louise Score, and Respiratory Variables

Study variables	Baseline	9 hours	24 hours	48 hours	72 hours	8 days	Repeated measures ANOVA^a p-value
R/H (Ω/m)	290.5 ± 24.3	323.8 ± 26.7	299.6 ± 27.6	320.8 ± 32.0	321.1 ± 34.5	305.5 ± 36.7	<0.001
Xc/H (Ω/m)	36.7 ± 3.7	42.8 ± 4.8	38.2 ± 7.0	42.8 ± 5.1	44.7 ± 5.4	40.7 ± 7.0	<0.001
Vector length (Ω/m)	292.9 ± 24.3	326.7 ± 26.8	302.1 ± 27.7	323.7 ± 32.3	324.2 ± 34.6	308.3 ± 37.1	<0.001
ΔVL (%)	—	11.8 ± 7.8	3.3 ± 6.2	10.6 ± 11.4	10.7 ± 8.9	4.2 ± 6.6	0.007
Phase angle (°)	7.1 ± 0.8	7.5 ± 0.8	7.0 ± 1.2	7.6 ± 0.5	7.8 ± 0.8	7.5 ± 0.8	0.028
SBP (mmHg)	124.5 ± 12.6	131.5 ± 14.1	126.9 ± 13.2	126.6 ± 13.5	131.0 ± 11.2	135.3 ± 18.2	0.462
DBP (mmHg)	82.5 ± 6.6	83.3 ± 8.4	82.6 ± 7.5	84.6 ± 9.6	89.3 ± 12.2	92.8 ± 13.8	0.254
MAP (mmHg)	96.5 ± 8.3	99.4 ± 9.7	97.4 ± 9.0	98.6 ± 9.7	103.2 ± 10.3	107.0 ± 12.2	0.294
HR (beats/min)	60.9 ± 7.5	84.6 ± 20.7	84.4 ± 10.2	77.9 ± 17.6	71.4 ± 14.9	76.0 ± 10.9	<0.001
RR (per min)	13.7 ± 2.4	17.8 ± 3.7	16.3 ± 3.1	15.1 ± 4.4	15.5 ± 4.3	18.5 ± 3.9	0.016
SpO₂ (%)	99.0 ± 1.1	87.1 ± 6.2	88.2 ± 3.4	89.8 ± 3.9	91.5 ± 2.4	92.0 ± 3.0	<0.001
LLS	0.0 ± 0.0	0.4 ± 0.8	1.0 ± 1.5	0.5 ± 0.7	0.4 ± 0.5	0.0 ± 0.0	0.164

Until 72 hours; LLS was analyzed using Friedman test.

ANOVA, analysis of variance; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; H, height; HR, heart rate; LLS, Lake Louise Score; MAP, mean arterial blood pressure; R, resistance; RR, respiratory rate; SBP, systolic blood pressure; SpO₂, oxygen saturation; Xc, reactance; ΔVL (%), changes of vector length from baseline (%).

At baseline, all subjects had their baseline impedance vectors within the 95% tolerance ellipse for a Caucasian reference population (Table 2) (Piccoli et al., 1995). The baseline impedance vector of five subjects was within the 50% tolerance ellipses, while three subjects fell between the 50% and 75% tolerance ellipses and three subjects between the 75% and 95% tolerance ellipses. In the R-Xc bivariate plane for body water status estimation (Fig. 2), the impedance vector showed a lengthening at 9 hours (p = 0.011), 48 hours (p = 0.033), and 72 hours (p = 0.015) compared to baseline (i.e., a relative TBW loss) (red ellipses). Between 9 and 24 hours (blue ellipse), there was a marginal shortening of impedance vector (p = 0.097) (i.e., subjects tended to demonstrate euhydration). However, the impedance vector displacement at 24 hours was not different from the baseline (p > 0.05; dashed ellipse). The impedance vector length on the eighth day was not significantly different from baseline or 72 hours (both p > 0.05) (data not shown).

FIG. 2.

The 95% confidence ellipses and the changes in vector length at different time points during altitude exposure compared to baseline. Red ellipses show a relative total body water loss compared to baseline, dashed ellipses a relative euhydrated status compared to baseline, and blue ellipses a relative total body water gain between two specific time points. Δ, delta; BL, baseline; H, height; R, resistance; Xc, reactance. Color images are available online at www.liebertpub.com/ham

NT-proBNP values for all subjects remained within the range previously described in healthy subjects at baseline. ln(NT-proBNP) showed marginal changes during exposure to altitude within the first 72 hours (p = 0.082), with a peak after 24 hours (p = 0.041 compared with baseline) (Table 3). ln(NT-proBNP) values on the eighth day were not different from baseline (p > 0.05). In the majority of other peripheral venous blood and urine biochemical parameters, no significant changes were demonstrated during the period of stay at high altitude (Table 3). There was a trend to increase Na⁺ excretion (i.e., natriuresis), specifically at 9 hours compared to baseline.

Table 3.

Peripheral Venous Blood and Urine Biochemical Parameters

Biochemical parameters	Baseline	9 hours	24 hours	72 hours	8 days	Repeated measures ANOVA^a p-value
Blood parameters
ln(NT-proBNP) [NT-proBNP (pg/mL)]	3.0 ± 0.8 [27.8 ± 22.4]	4.2 ± 0.7 [79.3 ± 53.5]	4.5 ± 1.1 [133.6 ± 108.8]	3.9 ± 1.4 [126.7 ± 234.9]	2.9 ± 0.9 [27.0 ± 26.8]	0.082
Urea (mg/dL)	37.4 ± 9.0	36.0 ± 9.5	37.7 ± 9.0	31.4 ± 7.8	41.0 ± 6.1	0.226
Creatinine (mg/dL)	1.0 ± 0.2	1.1 ± 0.2	1.1 ± 0.2	1.0 ± 0.2	1.1 ± 0.1	0.332
Na⁺ (mmol/L)	140.3 ± 1.4	141.2 ± 1.5	140.9 ± 1.1	139.7 ± 2.5	139.2 ± 3.2	0.489
K⁺ (mmol/L)	4.2 ± 0.3	4.2 ± 0.4	4.0 ± 0.2	4.6 ± 0.5	4.3 ± 0.4	0.083
Cl− (mmol/L)	100.9 ± 2.7	103.5 ± 1.9	104.5 ± 2.8	103.4 ± 3.0	102.5 ± 1.8	0.058
Osmolality (mosmol/kg)	292.0 ± 6.1	292.7 ± 3.7	288.8 ± 3.4	289.4 ± 4.4	289.3 ± 4.0	0.244
Urine parameters
Na⁺ (mmol/L)	126.1 ± 45.2	159.1 ± 60.4	122.3 ± 58.2	130.6 ± 55.8	145.2 ± 64.6	0.695
K⁺ (mmol/L)	60.7 ± 25.1	46.7 ± 26.2	44.4 ± 22.9	39.4 ± 23.2	67.5 ± 30.3	0.168
Cl⁻ (mmol/L)	159.8 ± 63.4	153.0 ± 63.2	116.3 ± 71.0	120.5 ± 59.7	153.5 ± 73.3	0.474
Osmolality (mosmol/kg)	693.5 ± 235.4	760.0 ± 273.9	649.7 ± 279.9	575.9 ± 242.1	902.5 ± 159.0	0.452

The NT-proBNP values in square bracket represent the actual values before ln transformation.

Repeated measures ANOVA was carried out until 72 hours.

ln, natural logarithm; NT-proBNP, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide.

There was no difference between pre- and nonacclimatized subjects both for vector length (p = 0.647 for preacclimatization, p = 0.785 for interaction of preacclimatization with time) and ln(NT-proBNP) (p = 0.377 for preacclimatization, p = 0.141 for interaction of preacclimatization with time) when comparing changes over time.

Correlation analysis (Table 4) showed that changes in ln(NT-proBNP) were correlated with changes in serum Na⁺ (p = 0.002) and Cl⁻ (p = 0.002), and marginally with serum K⁺ (p = 0.068). There was no correlation between changes in vector length and ln(NT-proBNP) (p = 0.656).

Table 4.

Correlation of Changes in NT-proBNP and Vector Length with Changes in Other Parameters Until 72 Hours of High Altitude Exposure

	ln(NT-proBNP)		Vector length (Ω/m)
Parameter	Correlation	p	Correlation	p
R/H (Ω/m)	−0.099	0.662	—	—
Xc/H (Ω/m)	−0.197	0.379	—	—
Vector length (Ω/m)	−0.101	0.656	—	—
Phase angle (°)	−0.299	0.176	—	—
Urea, blood (mg/dL)	0.227	0.297	−0.303	0.133
Creatinine, blood (mg/dL)	0.122	0.579	0.041	0.841
Na⁺, blood (mmol/L)	0.623	0.002	−0.338	0.091
K⁺, blood (mmol/L)	−0.396	0.068	0.163	0.436
Cl⁻, blood (mmol/L)	0.616	0.002	0.035	0.867
Osmolality, blood (mosmol/kg)	−0.262	0.227	0.046	0.824
Na⁺, urine (mmol/L)	0.229	0.293	0.037	0.848
K⁺, urine (mmol/L)	−0.192	0.379	−0.346	0.061
Cl⁻, urine (mmol/L)	−0.095	0.666	−0.215	0.254
Osmolality, urine (mosmol/kg)	0.102	0.644	−0.167	0.378

NT-proBNP, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide; p, p-value.

Discussion

For the first time, we report the fluctuation of TBW status in relation to NT-proBNP, both within hours of rapid exposure to 3830 m and up to 8 days of continuous altitude exposure. Body water status was monitored serially using BIA over the course of 8 days at moderate high altitude among healthy Caucasian subjects and subsequently analyzed with an R-Xc bivariate plane graph. All subjects resided at the Mt. Ortler test site for the duration of the study, without performing any undue physical exertion.

Acute fluid loss was demonstrated within the first 9 hours, after which a switch to active euhydration was suggested up to 24 hours. Subsequently, compared to baseline, a progressive dehydration between 48 and 72 hours was shown. However, BIVA measurements taken at the eighth day were not significantly different from baseline. There was a significant increase of NT-proBNP after ascent with a peak at 24 hours, although similarly to BIVA values, NT-proBNP returned to baseline after 8 days of altitude exposure.

Within this study, changes in the impedance vector length (illustrated with 95% confidence ellipses) reveal highly reactive TBW dynamics over the course of hours to days of continuous moderately high altitude exposure. Primarily, the subjects were relatively dehydrated (9 hours), despite a sufficient fluid intake. This physiological response has been previously described in humans after acute exposure (2–6 hours) to both hypobaric (equivalent to 6000 m) (Koller et al., 1991) and normobaric (equivalent to 4000 m) hypoxia (Swenson et al., 1995). Acute exposure to hypoxia leading to a rapid rise in HVR could be postulated to regulate fluid balance through multiple pathways. First, to correct respiratory alkalosis caused by elevated HVR, bicarbonaturia reportedly reduces blood pH to within an acidic range. Second, Swenson et al. (1995) suggested that HVR itself is sufficient to mediate diuresis irrespective of blood acid-base changes. Finally, Koller et al. (1991) previously suggested that increased urinary flow is associated with a concomitant increase in atrial natriuretic peptide, plus a slight suppression of arginine-vasopressin secretion; both of which are proposed to offset increased cardiac volume overload at altitude. Shortening of the impedance vector between 9 and 24 hours shows the tendency to retain fluid. This was an unexpected finding. The reported fluid gain from 9 to 24 hours could be attributable to a stabilization in ventilatory response during preliminary acclimatization, plus slightly depressed ventilatory drive during sleep (Pamenter and Powell, 2016), but no data are available in the current study to elucidate the reason. All subjects, apart from one who quickly recovered within 24–36 hours at high altitude, did not develop AMS. Therefore, the progressive dehydration reported at 48 and 72 hours can be assumed to simply represent the physiological response to continuous moderate high altitude exposure.

From a clinical perspective, an increased level of NT-proBNP is closely associated with volume overload and renal and cardiac function impairments (Chung et al., 2008; David et al., 2008; Booth et al., 2010; Nongnuch et al., 2014). Fluid retention is correlated with NT-proBNP in chronic kidney patients (Yilmaz et al., 2014). High altitude hypoxia exerts tremendous stress on the heart (Holloway et al., 2011; Mellor et al., 2014) and represents by itself a stimulus for NT-proBNP release (Casals et al., 2009; Woods et al., 2011a; Mellor et al., 2014). Hence, stress on the heart and kidneys may enhance NT-proBNP production, reflecting both fluid overload and stress related to hypoxia exposure. Studies performed at very high altitude (>5000 m) have reported a significant increase in BNP with altitude exposure (Feddersen et al., 2009; Woods et al., 2011a). Similar to these previous findings (Woods et al., 2011a), we observed an elevation in NT-proBNP with time at altitude, reaching a maximum value at 24 hours. The elevated values of NT-proBNP strengthen the indication that there is increased stress on the heart, as suggested by the increase in HR, with acutely rapid high altitude exposure, whereas the lack of correlation between changes in BIVA measurements and changes in NT-proBNP can only elude to the complexity of the interplay between hypoxia-stimulated cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine responses resulting in TBW regulation.

Serum urea and creatinine levels did not differ significantly with altitude exposure across all observed time points. Serum and urine osmolality and ion concentrations did not change significantly. Serum osmolality showed a nonsignificant trend to decrease at 24 and 72 hours compared to baseline which does not comply with the apparent dehydration at BIVA measurements (TBW). It is unclear whether this remains within the normal range, the two techniques describe different measurements or because the method of BIVA is more sensitive to detect dehydration, within the so-called “appropriate dehydration” range (i.e., a vector lengthening of only 10%–15%) as a process of physiological acclimatization (Piccoli et al., 1996). Nevertheless, both in this study and previous work from Piccoli et al. (1996) healthy subjects who do not develop AMS showed an average impedance vector lengthening less than 10%–15%. In comparison, dehydration (to a greater extent) is considered a determinate risk factor at altitude and could mimic symptoms of AMS (Imray et al., 2010). Hence, it is recommended that trekkers, hikers, and mountaineers actively manage fluid uptake during altitude expeditions (Luks et al., 2010). However, overhydration has also been reportedly associated with incidence and severity of AMS (Westerterp et al., 1996; Loeppky et al., 2005; Gatterer et al., 2013).

AMS, high-altitude cerebral edema, and high-altitude pulmonary edema pathophysiology involves organ-specific fluid accumulation. Recent studies demonstrated decreased cerebral white matter water mobility (including brain stem and cerebellum) as early as 2 hours at 12% O₂ normobaric hypoxia (Lawley et al., 2013). During 10 hours of normobaric hypoxic exposure, increased gray matter volume was demonstrated in parallel to movement of fluid from the vascular compartment to other areas of the brain, thus leading to an increase in the overall brain volume (i.e., increased intracranial pressure) (Lawley et al., 2014). Interstitial fluid accumulation (edema) manifests also in other body regions, for example, B-lines in the lungs with passive exposure (Strapazzon et al., 2015) and exertion (Pratali et al., 2010; Edsell et al., 2014). On examination, it is important to note that it is difficult with BIVA measurements to have specific fluid measurement within the brain and lungs. Hence, altitude-specific pathophysiological fluid status within these organs is difficult to estimate with this technique. Similarly, NT-proBNP does not seem to reflect organ-specific fluid accumulation (Strapazzon et al., 2015).

Limitations

Despite having recruited 19 subjects, we ended up analyzing only 11 subjects for TBW status since many of them did not have BIVA data at the 9 hours time point due to logistical challenges related to a field study. Nevertheless, we have used more time points for observation and reduced potential confounding factors as much as possible. The subjects were, in fact, mostly resting or had minimal physical exertion with a standardized food and fluid intake regime with regular meals. The 24-hour urinary output and body weight were not monitored due to field limitations. Finally, the low incidence of AMS in our study may also be partially due to the preacclimatization of six subjects.

Conclusion

We report the fluctuation of TBW status in relation to NT-proBNP during rapid altitude exposure (3830 m) and up to 8 days of continuous high altitude residence at the same altitude in healthy lowland subjects. Subjects first became dehydrated (9 hours) and subsequently tended to exhibit a short period of euhydration over the next 15 hours. However, they remained dehydrated at 48 and 72 hours of continuous exposure. NT-proBNP does not simply reflect the TBW status during acute high altitude exposure and its changes were not correlated with BIVA measurements. Results also suggest that around 2 L of fluid per day may be sufficient during acute rapid exposure to high altitude to maintain hydration homeostasis, but only with minimal physical activity. Further studies with BIVA and NT-proBNP measurements in relation to HRV, sympathetic response, body weight, and 24-hour urinary output in both subjects performing exercise and patients with high altitude illnesses are necessary to better elucidate the clinical significance of changes in TBW status during exposure to acute hypobaric hypoxia.

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

The authors thank AKERN SRL, Firenze, Italy, for lending the equipment during the study. The authors are grateful to their fellow researchers (Georg Hofer, MD and Stefan Platzgummer, MD) and staff from EURAC Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Bolzano, Italy (Karla Balkenhol, MD and Michael Pohl, MD), who played a crucial role to make this field study successful and for article preparation (Rachel Turner, MPhil). Finally, the authors thank our study subjects for their consent, time, and compliance.

Author Disclosure Statement

No competing financial interests exist.

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