Erythropoietin and the polycythemia of high-altitude dwellers

Abstract

Abstract. High-altitude natives residing at similar altitudes exhibit varying degrees of erythrocytosis, depending in part upon their geographical location. A recent report by Winslow et al suggests that hematocrit and hemoglobin levels correlate with circulating erythropoietin levels in such individuals. These authors contend that individuals with elevated erythropoietin levels may be functionally anemic even though the hematocrit and hemoglobin values are elevated.