Weightlessness Associated Cephalad Fluid Shifts; The Potential to Evaluate Venous and Lymphatic Dysfunction

Plain-language summary

In the weightlessness of space and significant alterations of terrestrial 1 g (1 gravity equivalent) head-to-foot hydrostatic pressure gradients, astronauts experience a dramatic fluid redistribution of \~ 2 liters from the legs to the head and neck within the first 24-48 hours of flight, among other cardiovascular and physiologic system adaptations. After only 4 days in the weightlessness of low earth orbit (LEO), changes can be seen in baroreceptor responsiveness, causing orthostatic hypotension upon subsequent return to Earth. Fluid shifts may also result in headaches, congestion or facial puffiness that can contribute to deteriorating sleep patterns. The ability to manage, mitigate, or offset these fluid shifts is vital to maintain nominal health for short and long duration space flight and potentially improve readaptation to terrestrial gravity or other surface gravity fields, such as the moon or Mars. Fluid shifts towards the cephalic region during microgravity have been speculated to contribute towards spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). SANS is a distinct, microgravity-induced phenomenon of neuro-ophthalmic findings observed in astronauts following long-duration spaceflight including choroidal folds, optic disc edema, posterior globe flattening, refractive shift, and cerebral fluid shifts noted to be persistent at 6-month post-flight MRI scans. Thus, noninvasive approaches to studying real-time fluid shifts in weightlessness could serve as critical areas of research to further SANS study and effective countermeasure protocol development. For continuous fluid shift monitoring and management, the goal is to establish baseline assessments utilizing real-time point- of-care noninvasive imaging devices (NIID). Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy reduces lymphatic fluid in the affected limb, head, and neck to improve function and prevent progression of fluid build-up. MLD is a therapeutic massage that delivers light pressure through the skin to stimulate lymphatic vessel function. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in lymphatic function and pain following MLD. The main objectives of this pilot, retrospective study were to use NIID to examine temperature differential alterations, superficial venous flow patterns (head, neck, upper torso), and venous flow patterns along the lymphatic ventromedial bundles of the medial calves and thighs when in the 6-degree head down tilt (HDT) validated space analogue position and to analyze the effect of MLD therapy administered in the HDT position on lymphatic flow and temperature. HDT is the best validated space analogue currently available for evaluation of fluid redistribution in a timely manner.

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