Correlation between RBC changes and coagulation parameters in high altitude population

To explore the correlations between RBCs indexes and the basic coagulation parameters, and provide data for further studies on high altitude-induced thrombotic disease.

A total of eligible 433 volunteers were divided into different groups according to HGB concentration and HCT, respectively. PT, APTT, TT and Fbg were measured by clotting assays. HGB content, HCT and PLT count were assessed by automated hematology analyzer.

APTT and PT were significantly higher in group 4 (high HGB or HCT groups) (p < 0.05 for all comparison) and PLT count was significantly lower in group 4 than in other groups (p < 0.01 for all comparison). APTT and PT showed negative correlations with HGB concentration (r = -0.168 and -0.165 resp.; both p < 0.01), whereas positive correlations were found between APTT and HCT, PT and HCT (r = 0.225 and 0.258, resp.; both p < 0.01). PLT, TT and Fbg showed no correlation with HGB and HCT.

HGB and HCT may not correlate with basic coagulation parameters in high altitude population, their predictive value for high altitude-induced thrombotic disease may relatively independent and this remain to be determined in further studies.