[Evaluation of various hematologic parameters in Andean miners (Morococha-Peru 4560 m)]

In other Author's previous studies refer that prolonged CO exposure, as chronic altitude exposure, causes marked increases in Hb and Htc levels. We had intended to study these hematologic changes on three non-smokers' group : Miners of the Andes working at CO exposure ambients, Residents and European Subjects living a. s. l. and exposed at 4560 m. Statistical analysis, according with literature, has shown significant difference in the three groups' Hb and Htc ratio, in comparison with sea level control values. We had moreover observed that HbCO of the Miners' group reached, sometimes, 8, 2% values. It does not seem, however, that the higher HbCO levels noted in the Miners' group are sufficiently elevated for producing a further increase in Hb and Htc ratio compared to the other two control group.