Transporte de oxígeno y hematología en niños de altura

Abstract

Summary. 34 healthy children in the middle of the important growth and development years, 2-7 years, were examined for effective oxygen transport and hematological parameters as a function of residing at either 3.600 m. or 4.000m. Comparison of the two equal size groups showed a significant decrease in arterial PO2 levels and Hb saturation for those living at 4.000 m. inspite of them having a moderate increase in circulating red cell mass and Hb over the group living at 3.600 m. Measured PO2 levels were corrected to a Std. curve to incorporate the affects of pH, PCO2, met Hb, and 2,3 DPG on the Hb O2 dissociation curve. The significant drop in PO2=63 mm. at 3.600 m. to 51 mm.Hg at 4.00 m. ocurs near the steep portion of the oxygen Hb dissociation curve hence drastically effecting oxygen delivery to the tissues. No difference in the degree of reticulocytosis is evident. These values for hematology and oxygen should represent normal values for children as standard anthropometric plus clinical techniques were used as sereening measures to insure health and growth.