Altitude Pre-Acclimatization with an Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent

Area of Science:

• Altitude Medicine
• Physiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• High altitude illness (HAI) results from rapid ascent without acclimatization.
• Acclimatization involves ventilatory, circulatory, and haematological adjustments.
• Haematological strategies for acclimatization are less established than other methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the application of a pre-acclimatization strategy using an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA).
• To assess the feasibility and effects of ESA administration prior to high-altitude ascent.

Main Methods:

• Two healthy subjects received ESA 30 days before ascending from sea level to 6,268 m.
• Subjects underwent incremental ascents to the final altitude.
• Physiological responses, including haemoglobin levels, were monitored.

Main Results:

• Subjects experienced a cumulative haemoglobin increase of 7.1% and 11.9% post-ESA administration.
• Minimal symptoms of altitude illness were reported during ascents.
• No adverse events were observed during the study.

Conclusions:

• ESA administration may be a safe and potentially useful pre-acclimatization strategy for high altitude.
• Current evidence is insufficient to recommend ESA for HAI prevention.
• Further comprehensive research is required to validate this approach.