Normal reference value of hemoglobin of infant girls and altitude in China

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology
• Environmental Health Science

Background:

• Establishing a unified normal reference value standard for hemoglobin in Chinese infant girls is crucial for accurate health assessments.
• Existing standards may not account for geographical variations, particularly altitude.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a scientific basis for a unified normal reference value standard of hemoglobin in Chinese infant girls.
• To investigate the relationship between hemoglobin levels and altitude in infant girls across China.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 3,771 infant girls from 40 diverse regions in China.
• Hemoglobin levels were determined using the reliable hemoglobincyanide method.
• Statistical analysis included correlation and univariate linear regression to assess the impact of altitude.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation (r=0.545) was observed between normal hemoglobin reference values and altitude.
• A regression equation (Y = 112.9 + 0.008978X +/- 20.8) was derived to predict hemoglobin levels based on altitude.
• Altitude emerged as a key factor influencing hemoglobin reference values in this population.

Conclusions:

• The derived regression equation allows for the estimation of normal hemoglobin reference values for infant girls based on local altitude.
• China can be geographically stratified into three districts (Qingzang, Central, Eastern) based on altitude for tailored hemoglobin reference value interpretation.
• This research supports the development of more accurate and regionally appropriate hemoglobin reference standards for infant girls.