Telespirometry in Antarctic conditions

Respiratory symptoms based on programmable questions. Recorded in Summer at sea level, on the field and inside the base and at CONCORDIA Station on the Plateau.

Spirometry is an easy way to evaluate the lung function. Remote "on the field" evaluation and functional assessment may give a chance for early treatment. In extreme conditions can give support to differential diagnosis between pulmonary edema and other respiratory distress, helping to save patient's life. Analysis of lung function and O2 saturation on healthy humans exposed to cold and altitude stressors.

We used a small, light, portable Telespirometer that record and transmit single or multiple (up to 50) examinations via acoustic coupler or via TCP/IP. It has been measured during the field activities and the results have been transmitted using the common voice channels and/or data channels from TNB, and Concordia, to Rome the Saint Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, for the recording and the telediagnosys. The collected Parameters are: Complete Spirometry + 6 symptoms and specific conditions to define, in a scale absent-medium-maximum.

The machine has an automatic reporting system giving normal, attention and alarm flag, allowing subjects to know when doctors are to be alerted

AT TNB: Base parameters are recorded, then on the field, at the arrival to Terra Nova Bay. For each subject, short anamnesis and results are collected in a clinical data base and the equipment will be set up and personalized. They perform tests during activity on the field for all period of outside presence of the subject and the data are stored in the apparatus, in order to be unloaded in the base, in the workstation and televised in Italy. Experiments were done transmitting with the TNB communication equipment and via IMNARSAT

CONCORDIA: It has been performed examinations on the sea level at TNB and during the permanence to Dome C, stored in the station's computers or televised if necessary in Italy. We used for the analysis the Hospital Carlo Forlanini, one of the greater national poles specialized for pulmonary pathology.