What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the effectiveness of acetazolamide in preventing severe nocturnal hypoxemia in COPD patients at high altitude.

April 19, 2026Journal of Respiratory Medicine

Prevention of severe nocturnal hypoxemia in COPD patients at high altitude. (Results of a randomized controlled trial)

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Randomized controlled trial shows acetazolamide reduces nocturnal hypoxemia in COPD patients, suggesting an effective prevention method.

To evaluate the effectiveness of acetazolamide in preventing severe nocturnal hypoxemia in COPD patients at high altitude.
Conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 176 COPD patients.
Patients received either acetazolamide (125 mg morning and 250 mg evening) or placebo for two days at 3100 m.
Primary outcome assessed was the occurrence of severe nocturnal hypoxemia defined as SpO2<80% for >30 minutes.
Monitoring involved respiratory polygraphy, spirometry, and clinical examination.
Severe nocturnal hypoxemia occurred in 12% of the acetazolamide group compared to 48% in the placebo group (p<0.001).
Mean nocturnal SpO2 was significantly improved in the acetazolamide group (86±2%) versus placebo (84±2%; p<0.001).
Desaturation index (DI) was significantly lower in those taking acetazolamide (13.8±14.4) compared to placebo (26.3±26.6; p<0.001).
Minimal adverse effects were reported with no serious events.

Mademilov et al. (2026) studied this question.

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April 19, 2026Journal of Respiratory Medicine

View Full Paper

Ask AI

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Authors

Randomized controlled trial shows acetazolamide reduces nocturnal hypoxemia in COPD patients, suggesting an effective prevention method.

To evaluate the effectiveness of acetazolamide in preventing severe nocturnal hypoxemia in COPD patients at high altitude.
Conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 176 COPD patients.
Patients received either acetazolamide (125 mg morning and 250 mg evening) or placebo for two days at 3100 m.
Primary outcome assessed was the occurrence of severe nocturnal hypoxemia defined as SpO2<80% for >30 minutes.
Monitoring involved respiratory polygraphy, spirometry, and clinical examination.
Severe nocturnal hypoxemia occurred in 12% of the acetazolamide group compared to 48% in the placebo group (p<0.001).
Mean nocturnal SpO2 was significantly improved in the acetazolamide group (86±2%) versus placebo (84±2%; p<0.001).
Desaturation index (DI) was significantly lower in those taking acetazolamide (13.8±14.4) compared to placebo (26.3±26.6; p<0.001).
Minimal adverse effects were reported with no serious events.

Mademilov et al. (2026) studied this question.

View Full Paper

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