title: Hematological changes in an elite climber over 18 years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the influence of repeated exposure to high altitude over a period of 18 years in an elite climber, red blood cell related parameters were analyzed. Red blood cell levels, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit were taken before and after expedition.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The analysis, revealed an average increase of 15% in red blood cell related parameters, and showed a negative correlation (p<0.01) between age and post-expedition results. Furthermore, the first part of the study period was statistically different compared to the second (p<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exposure to extreme altitudes does lead to an increase in red blood cell parameters in the subject of the present study, as it can be seen from the results. Interestingly, this hematological response to extreme hypobaric hypoxia stimuli was attenuated over time. This however is a case report on an elite climber, and further research is needed in order to determine if such responses can be observed in other populations.
authors.affiliation: 1 Laboratory of Analysis of Sport Performance, Sport and Physical Education Department, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of the Basque Country , Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava, Spain .
authors.forename: Gaizka
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mejuto
authors.forename: Julio
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Calleja-Gonzalez
authors.forename: Jose Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lekue
authors.forename: Xabier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Leibar
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Garate
authors.forename: Jose Ignacio
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Emparanza
authors.forename: Julen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Erauzkin
authors.forename: Maialen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beldarrain
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Terrados
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D006454:Hemoglobins
keywords: acclimatization; exercise; expeditions to high altitude; extreme altitude; red blood cells