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Background
- Excessive polycythemia for a given altitude (Hgb >20)
- Occurs in patients living at high-altitude who have COPD, sleep apnea or impaired respiratory drive
Clinical Features
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
Expected SpO2 and PaO2 levels at altitude[1]
| Altitude
|
SpO2
|
PaO2 (mm Hg)
|
| 1,500 to 3,500 m (4,900 to 11,500 ft)
|
about 90%
|
55-75
|
| 3,500 to 5,500 m (11,500 to 18,000 ft)
|
75-85%
|
40-60
|
| 5,500 to 8,850 m (18,000 to 29,000 ft)
|
58-75%
|
28-40
|
Management
- Phlebotomy
- Relocation to lower altitude
- Home O2 use
See Also
References
- ↑ Gallagher, MD, Scott A.; Hackett, MD, Peter (August 28, 2018). "High altitude pulmonary edema". UpToDate. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
