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Hypoxia is a well-established cause of pulmonary hypertension in respiratory and high-altitude illnesses. Findings from small studies suggest that this relationship is mediated by iron status. To examine the clinical relevance of such an interaction, investigators in Peru conducted two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled protocols involving individuals with altitude-induced hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
In one protocol, the investigators assessed 22 healthy sea-level resident (SLR) men (aged 19–60) during 1 week at an altitude of 4340 meters; on the third day of hypoxia, the participants received intravenous Fe(III)-hydroxide sucrose (200 mg) or placebo. In another protocol, 11 high-altitude resident (HAR) men (aged 30–59) with di…