Anemia at Altitude: Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Disease, and Other Inherited Anemias
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Updated: Nov 6, 2025

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1Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
DeLoughery, Thomas G. Anemia at altitude-thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and other inherited anemias. High Alt Med Biol. 22: 113-118, 2021.-Anemia due to any etiology is a common medical condition throughout the world. This article discusses the most common inherited anemia types-sickle cell disease and trait, thalassemia, hereditary spherocytosis, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. The implications of anemia for travel at altitude are discussed, and suggestions for counsel and preparations for such travel are presented.
DeLoughery, Thomas G. Anemia at altitude-thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and other inherited anemias. High Alt Med Biol. 22: 113-118, 2021.-Anemia due to any etiology is a common medical condition throughout the world. This article discusses the most common inherited anemia types-sickle cell disease and trait, thalassemia, hereditary spherocytosis, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. The implications of anemia for travel at altitude are discussed, and suggestions for counsel and preparations for such travel are presented.
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