Abstract
Steroids are used for the prevention and treatment of high-altitude illnesses. However, these agents can cause significant side effects. We report a case of altered mental status, gastrointestinal bleeding, skin rash, and avascular necrosis in a climber taking prophylactic dexamethasone prior to an attempt to climb Mt Everest. High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), steroid toxicity, and acute adrenal crisis can have similar clinical presentations. Differentiating between these life-threatening conditions at high altitude is essential for successful treatment.
Copyright © 2010 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
MeSH terms
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Acute Disease
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Adult
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Altitude
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Altitude Sickness / complications
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Altitude Sickness / diagnosis
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Altitude Sickness / drug therapy*
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Confusion / chemically induced
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Confusion / complications
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Confusion / diagnosis
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Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / complications
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Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / diagnosis
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Exanthema / chemically induced
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Exanthema / complications
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Exanthema / diagnosis
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Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / chemically induced
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Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / complications
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Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis
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Humans
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Male
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Mountaineering*
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Muscle Weakness / chemically induced
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Muscle Weakness / complications
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Nepal
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Panic Disorder / complications
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Steroids / adverse effects*
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Steroids / therapeutic use