Remote Ischemic Conditioning for High Altitude Polycythemia in High-Altitude Immigrant Populations

Remote Ischemic Conditioning for High Altitude Polycythemia in High-Altitude Immigrant Populations

This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled clinical trial. The participants are adult patients with high-altitude polycythemia who have been long-term residents (for >6 months) in regions at an altitude of ≥2500 meters. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: a conventional medication group and a remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) intervention group. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized 90-day RIC intervention, as an add-on to conventional medication, in managing high-altitude polycythemia.

Inclusion Criteria:

Aged ≥18 years, of either sex; Continuous residence in a high-altitude region (≥2500 meters) for more than 6 months, with no plan for long-term departure from the plateau during the study period; Meeting the diagnostic criteria for high-altitude polycythemia; Willing to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Other hematologic diseases, such as anemia or abnormal leukocytosis; Severe dysfunction of vital organs (e.g., heart, liver, kidney, lungs); Active malignancy, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, active autoimmune disease, or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus; Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or lactation for female participants; Contraindications to RIC (e.g., severe peripheral arterial disease, venous thrombosis, or soft tissue injury in the upper limbs); Any other condition deemed by the investigator to be unsuitable for participation in the study.