A STUDY ON AMS SCORING AND OXYGEN SATURATION (SPO2) OF AMARNATH YATRIS AT THE AMARNATH HOLY CAVE

Abstract

Introduction: With increasing altitude, atmospheric pressure decreases while the percentage of oxygen in air remains constant that is about 21% and thus the partial pressure of oxygen decreases with altitude. Many Amarnath Yatris can ascend to 5000 to 6500 ft in one day without problems, but about 40% of those who ascend to 8000 ft and 80% of those who ascend to 10,000 ft develop AMS. The present study was designed with the aim to assess and correlate with AMS Scoring to oxygen saturation of Amarnath Yatris at the holy Amarnath cave. Material and Methods: A total of 55 subjects of both male and female of five different age groups were taken. An informed consent was taken from each subject before the correlational study. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) was measured with pulse oximetry while AMS Scoring of Amarnath pilgrims were done with Lake Louise AMS Scoring system.  Result: There was a significant decrease in Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) as compared to control as well as AMS Scores was increased.  Conclusion:  In this study there was a significant decrease in Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and increase in AMS Scores. Acute Mountain Sickness was present in all the subjects at the height of Amarnath cave and this was related with decrease in Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂).