Altitude-Related Laboratory Changes and a Novel Hemoglobin Estimation Model: A Retrospective Analysis in Children and Adults

IF 2.2 4区医学 Q3 HEMATOLOGY

International Journal of Laboratory Hematology Pub Date : 2026-09-09 Epub Date: 2026-06-25 DOI:10.1111/ijlh.70183

Aykut Yucal, Melike Yucal

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Hypobaric hypoxia at higher residential altitudes may modify routine laboratory parameters and complicate their interpretation in emergency care. We examined associations between altitude (0–2500 m) and laboratory findings and developed a hemoglobin estimation model.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective cross-sectional study included 2302 patients aged ≥ 1 year admitted to the Emergency Department of Kars Harakani State Hospital on January 1–3 and July 1–3, 2024. Patients were categorized as children (1–17 years) or adults (≥ 18 years). Hematological and biochemical results were retrieved from electronic records. Altitude–laboratory associations were analyzed using correlation and linear regression. A multivariable regression model was constructed to identify determinants of hemoglobin variation.

Results

Among 2302 admissions, 30.8% were pediatric. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte indices, pO₂, and SaO₂ demonstrated the most consistent altitude-related patterns. In adults, altitude showed positive associations with glucose, urea, creatinine, COHb, MetHb, calcium, ALT, AST, bilirubin, and selected erythrocyte and platelet indices, and negative associations with SaO₂, pO₂, PLT, PCT, GFR, and HCO₃ (all p < 0.05). Most parameters were not significantly associated with altitude in children. SaO₂ and pO₂ were lower in summer than winter (p < 0.05). The final model explained 83% of hemoglobin variability, incorporating altitude, age, sex, smoking, pregnancy, malignancy, and chronic disease.

Conclusion

Residential altitude was associated with measurable variation in hematological, biochemical, and oxygenation parameters among emergency department patients. Altitude should be considered when interpreting laboratory results in clinical practice. The proposed hemoglobin model integrates altitude and clinical variables to characterize hemoglobin variability within this cohort.

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与海拔相关的实验室变化和一种新的血红蛋白估计模型：儿童和成人的回顾性分析。

简介：较高居住海拔地区的低压缺氧可能会改变常规实验室参数，并使其在急诊护理中的解释复杂化。我们研究了海拔高度（0-2500米）与实验室结果之间的关系，并建立了血红蛋白估计模型。方法：这项单中心、回顾性横断面研究纳入了2024年1月1日至3日和7月1日至3日在卡尔斯·哈拉卡尼国立医院急诊科收治的2302例年龄≥1岁的患者。患者分为儿童（1-17岁）和成人（≥18岁）。血液学和生化结果从电子记录中检索。利用相关和线性回归分析海拔与实验室的关系。建立了一个多变量回归模型来确定血红蛋白变异的决定因素。结果：在2302名入院患者中，30.8%为儿科。血红蛋白、红细胞压积、红细胞指数、pO2和SaO2表现出最一致的海拔相关模式。在成人中，海拔高度与葡萄糖、尿素、肌酐、COHb、MetHb、钙、ALT、AST、胆红素和某些红细胞和血小板指标呈正相关，与SaO2、pO2、PLT、PCT、GFR和HCO3呈负相关（所有的p2和pO2在夏季都低于冬季）(p结论：居住海拔与急诊科患者血液学、生化和氧合参数的可测量变化相关。在临床实践中解释实验室结果时应考虑海拔。提出的血红蛋白模型整合了海拔和临床变量来表征该队列中的血红蛋白变异性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Laboratory Hematology 医学-血液学

CiteScore

4.50

自引率

6.70%

发文量

211

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Laboratory Hematology provides a forum for the communication of new developments, research topics and the practice of laboratory haematology. The journal publishes invited reviews, full length original articles, and correspondence. The International Journal of Laboratory Hematology is the official journal of the International Society for Laboratory Hematology, which addresses the following sub-disciplines: cellular analysis, flow cytometry, haemostasis and thrombosis, molecular diagnostics, haematology informatics, haemoglobinopathies, point of care testing, standards and guidelines. The journal was launched in 2006 as the successor to Clinical and Laboratory Hematology, which was first published in 1979. An active and positive editorial policy ensures that work of a high scientific standard is reported, in order to bridge the gap between practical and academic aspects of laboratory haematology.