Determinants of Acclimatisation in High Altitude

Background

A total of 31 cases of effects of high altitude were admitted to a field hospital from a particular sector during the year 2008. This study was hence undertaken to see the efficacy of acclimatisation as well as outline the determinants of acclimatisation. Methods: The study monitored the transients in the acclimatisation period as well as laid down the guidelines to certify their fitness after the acclimatisation period.

Result

Almost 4.70% of transients were found unfit to proceed to higher altitudes even after acclimatisation. Tachycardia with oxygen saturation below 90% by digital pulse oximetry were the parameters found to be statistically significant as an indicator to declare a person as not fully acclimatised or otherwise.

Conclusion

The administrative authorities must ensure that an individual is fully acclimatized, based on the fitness certificates issued, before being dispatched to their units located in high altitude areas.Key Words: Acclimatisation, Pulse oximetry, High altitude area