Characterization of Colombian Intensive Care Units Located at Altitude: a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background: The geographical location of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) influences patient management, particularly under conditions of hypobaric hypoxia, which may affect therapeutic strategies. However, evidence regarding the characteristics of ICUs located at high altitude remains limited.
Objective: To characterize the infrastructure, human resources, and clinical management practices of high-altitude ICUs in Colombia.
Study design: A cross-sectional descriptive study based on a survey administered to healthcare professionals working in high-altitude ICUs in Colombia.
Setting and participants: ICUs located at high altitude in Colombia. Healthcare professionals affiliated with these units participated.
Interventions: A structured survey was used to collect information on infrastructure, human resources, and clinical management strategies for critically ill patients at high altitude.
Main variables: Infrastructure, human resources, management strategies, reference values for PaO₂ and PaCO₂, oxygen therapy targets, and adjustment of the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio according to altitude.
Results: A total of 133 responses were obtained from professionals across approximately 39 ICUs in 11 cities. Overall, 57.6% of respondents reported considering altitude in clinical management, and 62.1% described their ICUs as mixed medical-surgical units. Normal reference values reported were PaO₂ between 60–80 mmHg (87.1%) and PaCO₂ between 30–35 mmHg (79.5%). Oxygen saturation targets were 88–90% (51.5%) and 90–95% (43.2%). Pulmonary edema was the most frequently associated condition (84.8%). Only 39.4% of respondents reported adjusting the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio for altitude.
Conclusions: ICUs in Colombia show variability in the consideration of altitude in clinical practice. These findings provide a foundation for future research and the development of tailored clinical strategies.
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