High Altitude Medical Research Project Changes in Renal Response

Abstract

High Altitude Medical Research includes large number of diverse fields. Basically this type of research covers the physiological reactions of low landers to aoute and chronic exposure of high altitude and the charges in body function in permanent high landers. There are large number of variables which my co-exist. Goiter problems is well known in our northern areas and worm infestation are also fairly common. High altitude research is vitally important for countries with population functioning at heights over 10,000 feet. Pakistan as some of the highest ranges in the world. Besides defense needs the local population frequently travel to 14,000 feet is summers. The future tourism will become a major feature in the mountains. We also feel that high altitude research may prove useful in pulmonary and cardiac patients. Lastly, these projects are useful training grounds for the young researchers. The present project ‘Renal response at high altitude’ was sanctioned by the Pakistan Science Foundation (No. P-PMI/MED (49)) early last year. The origisational aspects were the most difficult since this was a pioneer effort. The Pakistan Army (Dr. N. Burki) and a team from Peshawar led by Dr. M. Ilyas coordinated with us. We were thus able to cover the cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal responses to aoute high altitude exposure. We also conducted some studies of very basic nature on the local population. The present project has given us vital experience in the organization of this type of project and we have collected valuable basic data. It was decided that the data would be published collectively in the form of monograph. Dr. M. Ilyas was requested to the editor. Unfortunately, the publications have been delayed. It has thus felt that the data on the renal response to high altitude could be published as the final report of the sanctioned project. The monograph is being finalized and shall be published soon.