Hematological Parameters in Native Highlanders of Ladakh Aged 4-19 Years

Hematological adaptations to high altitude (HA) are long studied but are focused either on lowlanders visiting HA or native highlanders from Andes and Tibet. The literature on native highlanders from the Indian subcontinent or paediatric highlanders is scarce. We aimed at assessing hematological parameters in native highlanders of Ladakh, India, aged 4-19 years and derive nomograms in an age stratified manner specific to these native highlanders. A total of 335 self-reported healthy native highlanders of Ladakh, without any known comorbidities and not on hematinic nor any drugs in the age group of 4-19 years were included in the study. Complete hemogram including red cell indices was measured. R ver 3.4.0 was used to compare the hematological parameters based on gender/age stratification, pubertal and nutritional status. The hematological reference ranges were created for various parameters in the paediatric population. The mean (SD) haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was 14.74 (2.07) gm/dL. The mean hematocrit (Hct) was 40.43 (5.57%) %, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 81.87 (7.22) fL, white blood cell (WBC) count was 7596 (2172) cells/μL and platelets was 378.4 (152.8) × 10³/μL. Hct and MCV increased with age. Hb concentration, Hct, and MCV in girls was significantly lower than boys. Severely underweight subjects (body mass index < 16) showed significantly higher platelet counts compared to their nourished counterparts. The hematological nomograms for the native paediatric highlanders from Ladakh, India have been reported in this study.