Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31379: Short-Term Solutions for Space Sickness: The Midodrine Pilot Study
- Agnirva.com
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
When astronauts return to Earth, one of the first and most pressing issues they face is standing up without fainting. This condition, known as post-flight orthostatic hypotension, results from the cardiovascular system's adaptation to microgravity. In space, the heart and blood vessels no longer need to work as hard to circulate blood against gravity. Upon returning, gravity suddenly returns to the equation, and many astronauts suffer the consequences.
To address this, NASA researchers led by Dr. Steven Platts conducted a short-duration study to evaluate whether Midodrine could prevent the dizzying effects of standing upright after spaceflight. This pilot study occurred across Expeditions 14 to 16 on the ISS, focusing on the drug's immediate efficacy post-landing.
The experiment design was straightforward: astronauts were given Midodrine shortly before re-entry, and their post-flight responses were monitored through physical exams and diagnostic tools. This initial study provided the crucial first insights needed before launching the longer-term investigation that followed in later expeditions.
Key findings revealed that Midodrine could significantly improve blood pressure regulation in the hours following re-entry, providing a safer transition from space to Earth for astronauts. This was especially critical for ensuring crew safety during emergency scenarios, when the ability to stand and function immediately post-landing could be a life-or-death factor.
The success of this short-term investigation laid the groundwork for longer, more comprehensive studies and paved the way for the inclusion of Midodrine in NASA’s pharmacological toolkit. It also emphasized the value of short-term biomedical studies on the ISS as a way to pilot and refine future research.
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