Unraveling High Altitude-Induced Thromboembolic Disorders: Polycythemia or Complex Mechanisms?

Kansara, Nikunj Kumar, Anurag Timothy, Rijesh Unnithan, and Manas Chatterjee. Unraveling high altitude-induced thromboembolic disorders: polycythemia or complex mechanisms? High Alt Med Biol. 26:204-208, 2024.

Background

Thromboembolic disorders (TEDs) occurring at high altitudes due to exposure to hypoxic environments pose a significant challenge for clinicians in high-altitude area. Hypobaric hypoxia often leads to acquired erythrocytosis, which is believed to increase the incidence of thrombosis. This study aims to examine the relationship between thromboembolic events and erythrocytosis. Methodology: A prospective study was conducted, including all the patients admitted to Siachen hospital for TEDs from January 01, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Data on height, duration of the stay, hemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume levels at the time of admission were recorded.

Results

A total of 35 cases were enrolled during the study period. The average age of the patients was 29.10 years (standard deviation: 6.06). The mean deployment height was 17,300 ft, with a range of 12,000 ft-21,600 ft. The average duration of stay was 73 days, ranging from 7 to 162 days. The mean Hb level was 18 g/dl (SD: 2.64), with a range of 12.4 g/dl-22.4 g/dl. Twenty-five cases of thrombotic events (71.4%) occurred with normal Hb levels (<17.5 mg/dl), compared with 10 cases (28.6%) with Hb levels >17.5 mg/dl.

Conclusion

Prolonged stays at high altitudes and exposure to hypobaric hypoxia are major stressors. The study suggests that it is not elevated Hb levels, but rather the body's lack of an appropriate physiological response, that contributes to the development of thromboembolic events.