Hematological changes in an elite climber over 18 years.

AIMS: To evaluate the influence of repeated exposure to high altitude over a period of 18 years in an elite climber, red blood cell related parameters were analyzed. Red blood cell levels, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit were taken before and after expedition. RESULTS: The analysis, revealed an average increase of 15% in red blood cell related parameters, and showed a negative correlation (p<0.01) between age and post-expedition results. Furthermore, the first part of the study period was statistically different compared to the second (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Exposure to extreme altitudes does lead to an increase in red blood cell parameters in the subject of the present study, as it can be seen from the results. Interestingly, this hematological response to extreme hypobaric hypoxia stimuli was attenuated over time. This however is a case report on an elite climber, and further research is needed in order to determine if such responses can be observed in other populations.

A randomized clinical trial evaluating plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF-Endoret) versus hyaluronic acid in the short-term treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: This multicenter, double-blind clinical trial evaluated and compared the efficacy and safety of PRGF-Endoret (BTI Biotechnology Institute, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain), an autologous biological therapy for regenerative purposes, versus hyaluronic acid (HA) as a short-term treatment for knee pain from osteoarthritis. METHODS: We randomly assigned 176 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis to receive infiltrations with PRGF-Endoret or with HA (3 injections on a weekly basis). The primary outcome measure was a 50% decrease in knee pain from baseline to week 24. As secondary outcomes, we also assessed pain, stiffness, and physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index; the rate of response using the criteria of the Outcome Measures for Rheumatology Committee and Osteoarthritis Research Society International Standing Committee for Clinical Trials Response Criteria Initiative (OMERACT-OARSI); and safety. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 59.8 years, and 52% were women. Compared with the rate of response to HA, the rate of response to PRGF-Endoret was 14.1 percentage points higher (95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 27.6; P = .044). Regarding the secondary outcome measures, the rate of response to PRGF-Endoret was higher in all cases, although no significant differences were reached. Adverse events were mild and evenly distributed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma rich in growth factors showed superior short-term results when compared with HA in a randomized controlled trial, with a comparable safety profile, in alleviating symptoms of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled multicenter trial.

Parámetros fisiológicos y cineantropométricos de un himalayista de élite / Phisiological and cineanthropometrical parameters in an elite himalayist climber

La Altura Extrema (AE) y el himalayismo en estilo alpino como modalidad de ascensión son objeto de estudio reciente desde el punto de vista fisiológico y cineantropométrico, y normalmente llevado a cabo de forma puntual durante las expediciones. No existe literatura científica que haga un seguimiento longitudinal y a nivel del mar (NM) de estos deportistas y menos aún de élite internacional. Objetivo: Analizar la evolución y la relación de los parámetros fisiológicos y cineantropométricos de un himalayista de élite internacional, que coronó sin el uso de oxígeno suplementario las 14 montañas de más de ocho mil metros sobre el NM. Metodología: Se realizaron mediciones cineantropométricas (peso, seis pliegues subcutáneos, sumatorio de los mismos, porcentaje de grasa corporal e índice de masa corporal) y una prueba de esfuerzo escalonada, progresiva, interválica y maximal en tapiz rodante para variables fisiológicas (VO2max,FC, LA y RQ). Los tests se realizaron a NM antes, después y fuera de las expediciones durante el período de tiempo que comprende la coronación de las últimas cuatro montañas antes de completar las catorce de más de ocho mil metros. Resultados: Nos indican que nuestro deportista no sufre variaciones significativas en su peso, composición corporal y variables fisiológicas en relación al momento en el que se le realizan (pre, post y fuera de expedición) pero sí se observan correlaciones significativas (p<0.05) y muy significativas (p<0.01) intra variables e inter variables Conclusión: La gran condición física de este deportista y posiblemente una gran capacidad para la aclimatación fruto en parte a su dilatada carrera alpinística, pueden ser la causa de que no sufra variaciones significativas en los parámetros analizados, ni si quiera en su composición corporal en contra casi toda la literatura científica existente. Sin embargo, coincidiría con la bibliografía científica clásica en lo concerniente a la correlación entre los parámetros estudiados (AU)

Extreme Altitude (EA) and himalayism in its alpine style became a study subject in recent years from the point of view of physiology and cineanthropometry usually these studies are carried out only on expeditions with no monitoring within the time, and less on elite himalayist or successful high altitude climbers. There are no scientific studies based on longitudinal studies neither at sea level (SL) or on international elite climbers whom attempt to climb the highest mountains. Purpose: To analyze the evolution and correlation between physiological and cineanthropometric parameters in an elite male himalayist climber at SL before, after and off climbing expeditions during the period while our mountaineer has climbed the last four “eigh-thousanders” and all of them without supplementary oxygen. Methodology: Our climber has been subjected to cineanthropometric measurement (weight, six skin folds, sum of them, body mass index and body fat percentage) and to an effort test on a treadmill (staged, progressive, intervallic and maximal) in order to take the physiological data (VO2max, HR,LA and RQ) before, during and off expedition at SL. Results: Analyzed data presented no significant (p<0.05)changes in our climber within the time nor on the moment of the season (after, before and off expedition) but we have found some significant (p<0.05) and very significant(p<0.01) intra variable and inter variable correlations. Conclusion: The outstanding form of our climber combined with his gift for acclimatization in part due to a broad climbing career ensures that he does not suffer any kind of significant alterations in the analyzed parameters according to the scientific literature. Our subject does not suffer either, against the majority of scientific literature, changes in his body composition. On the other hand the correlation of analyzed parameters coincides with the classical physiological studies (AU)