Severe HAPE in a Remote High-Altitude Research Station in Antarctica

TL;DR

A case of severe high altitude pulmonary edema is reported and managed at a remote Antarctic research station, highlighting the importance of prompt medical action in extreme environments.

Contribution

This paper presents a real-world case of HAPE management in a remote high-altitude setting, emphasizing the effectiveness of immediate diagnostics and evacuation strategies.

Findings

A technician at Concordia Station developed severe HAPE three days after arrival.

Use of high-flow oxygen and a mobile hyperbaric chamber, followed by evacuation, led to successful recovery.

Prompt medical intervention and evacuation within 24 hours were critical for the patient's recovery.

Abstract

Isolated, confined, and extreme environments hold the opportunity to collect unique biomedical data. These often-remote places present specific medical challenges for deployed expeditioners. Here we report a case of acute severe high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) and its management at a remote research station in Antarctica. At the beginning of the 2023 summer campaign at Concordia Station (3200 m AMSL), a technician presented with shortness of breath and compromised circulation three days after arrival on site. Immediate diagnostics and medical treatments with high-flow oxygen and the use of a mobile hyperbaric chamber after initial resuscitation were administered. Within a time window of 24 h, evacuation to sea level was organised via aircraft (flight duration 4 h, non-pressurised cabin) inside the mobile hyperbaric chamber. The patient was discharged from medical treatment 48 h later in Christchurch (NZ). We conclude that despite rigorous pre-deployment screening, even experienced expeditioners can develop critical medical conditions that require prompt reaction and rescue. Structured assessment tools can aid in their recognition and management.

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