RecruitingNot Applicable

High-flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy Versus Conventional Oxygen Therapy in High-altitude Pulmonary Edema

China200 participantsStarted 2026-04-25

Plain-language summary

This study aims to evaluate whether High-flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy (HFNC) provides superior respiratory support compared to Conventional Oxygen Therapy (COT) in patients with High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Aged 18 years or older;
. Onset of symptoms related to HAPE (including dyspnea at rest, cough, or exercise intolerance) within 7 days of ascending to high altitude (≥2500m);
. Diagnosis of HAPE according to the STAR data reporting guidelines, requiring at least two symptoms (dyspnea at rest, cough, weakness/decreased exercise performance, or chest tightness/congestion) and two clinical signs (rales or wheezing in at least one lung field, central cyanosis, tachypnea, or tachycardia);
. Radiographic evidence of pulmonary edema on chest X-ray or CT;
. Refusal or inability to undergo immediate descent at the time of presentation;
. Capability and willingness to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

. Known or clinically confirmed pregnancy;
. Requirement for emergency intubation (as assessed by the treating clinician) due to cardiac/respiratory arrest, hemodynamic instability, airway compromise, severe hypoxia, or impaired consciousness, etc;
. Pulmonary edema or hypoxemia resulting from other medical conditions (e.g., cardiogenic pulmonary edema, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumothorax, massive pleural effusion, chest trauma, etc.);

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Time to weaning off supplemental oxygen

Timeframe: From date of randomization to oxygen therapy completion (oxygen weaning), an average of 3-5 days.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07536477

SponsorThird Military Medical University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2029-04-22

Contact for this trial

Yiding Li, Dr.

+86 13101377031 fygan@163.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More High-altitude Pulmonary Edema trials