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HighCycle Study: Acetazolamide, High Altitude and Plasma Volume

Launched by CENTRE D'EXPERTISE SUR L'ALTITUDE EXALT · Aug 11, 2025

Trial Information

Current as of August 19, 2025

Recruiting

Keywords

Acetazolamide Plasma Volume Acute Mountain Sickness High Altitude Hypoxia Women

ClinConnect Summary

This study, called the HighCycle Study, is looking at how a medicine called acetazolamide affects the body’s response to high altitudes. When people travel from low places (below 1,000 meters) to high places (2,500 meters or above), the lower oxygen levels can cause a common illness called acute mountain sickness (AMS). One way the body reacts is by reducing the amount of fluid in the blood, which helps increase oxygen levels early on. Acetazolamide is often used to prevent AMS because it helps people breathe better in low oxygen. However, researchers don’t yet know if this medicine changes the body’s fluid levels in the blood during high-altitude exposure, and this study aims to find out.

The study is looking for healthy men and women between 18 and 44 years old who live at low altitudes and do not smoke or have ongoing health issues. Women who take certain types of birth control or are pregnant cannot join. If you participate, you will take acetazolamide and then be observed to see how your body adjusts to high altitude, especially looking at blood fluid levels and oxygenation. This research will help us understand how best to prevent altitude sickness and keep people safe when traveling to high places.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

  • Inclusion Criteria:
  • Healthy, non-smoking men and women, age 18-44 years, without any disease and need of regular medication (including oral contraceptives).
  • BMI \>18 kg/m2 and \<30 kg/m2.
  • Born, raised and currently living at altitudes \<1000 m.
  • Written informed consent.
  • Premenopausal women with an eumenorrheic cycle.
  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • Other types of contraceptvies (contraceptives (hormonal intrauterine device, vaginal ring, subcutaneous injections or implants, among others).
  • Pregnancy or nursing
  • Anaemic (haemoglobin concentration \<10g/dl).
  • Any altitude trip \<4 weks before the study.
  • Allergy to acetazolamide and other sulfonamides.

About Centre D'expertise Sur L'altitude Exalt

The Centre d'Expertise sur l'Altitude Exalt is a leading clinical trial sponsor dedicated to advancing research in high-altitude physiology and its impacts on human health. With a focus on innovative studies that explore the effects of altitude on physical performance, acclimatization, and related health outcomes, the center collaborates with top-tier academic institutions and healthcare professionals. Committed to rigorous scientific methodologies and ethical standards, Exalt aims to contribute valuable insights that enhance our understanding of altitude-related challenges and improve strategies for health and performance in extreme environments.

Locations

Bishkek, , Kyrgyzstan

Patients applied

0 patients applied

Trial Officials

Michael Furian, Prof. Dr.

Study Chair

University of Zurich

Talant M Sooronbaev, Prof. Dr.

Study Director

National Center of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Paul Robach, PhD

Principal Investigator

EXALT (Centre d'Expertise sur l'Altitude), Grenoble, France

Benoit Champigneulle, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

EXALT (Centre d'Expertise sur l'Altitude), Grenoble, France

Timeline

First submit

Trial launched

Trial updated

Estimated completion

Not reported