Haematological Values at Moderate Altitude in a Low-Income Population

Aim: To illustrate haematological adaptation to moderate altitude in Rwanda.

Study Design: A population-based cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at moderate altitude (1,649-1,768 m) among students of the National University of Rwanda and blood donors from Buhanda, Ruhango and Nyaruteja centres, from August to December 2011.

Methods: Healthy volunteers (238 males and 106 females, age range: 18-40 years) were recruited in the study. Complete blood count was performed on a Coulter AcT 5diff and for some samples on a Sysmex KX-21N automated haematology analyzer.

Results: Results (mean ± SD) were: erythrocyte count: males: 5.28 ± 0.53 X 1012/L, females: 4.72 ± 0.63 X 1012/L; haemoglobin concentration: males: 160 ± 16 g/L, females: 140 ± 18 g/L; haematocrit: males: 45 ± 4 %, females: 40 ± 5 %. The differential leukocyte count showed eosinophilia (4%) and increased lymphocytes (44%).

Conclusion: The values for erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, erythrocyte indices and leukocyte count are comparable to sea level values. The fact that haemoglobin concentration is not low as is the case in low-income populations living at sea level can be attributed to adaptation to moderate altitude.