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.