Blood 'Cleaning' may bring relief to High-Altitude sufferers
NCT ID NCT04557995
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a procedure called erythrocytapheresis—which removes extra red blood cells from the blood using a machine—can safely reduce symptoms of chronic mountain sickness. The trial will enroll 112 long-term high-altitude residents with very high hemoglobin levels. Researchers will measure symptom scores and walking ability to see if the procedure helps.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- erythrocytapheresis (a procedure that removes excess red blood cells using a machine)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a safe, non-drug way to relieve symptoms like headache and fatigue in people with chronic mountain sickness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial (112 people) and the procedure is not a cure—it only manages symptoms temporarily. Risks include side effects from the blood separation process.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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NO.953 Hospital
RECRUITINGXigazê, Tibet, 857000, China