Causes and Mechanisms of Space Hemolysis At High Altitudes

Last updated: March 17, 2025
Sponsor: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Anemia

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT05496309
0220470-01H
  • Ages 24-55
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Anemia is a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) in the circulation. Because RBCs carry the oxygen your body needs to function, anemia can affect one's ability to stay awake, alert, and perform physical activities. Anemia may happen for several reasons, including increased RBC destruction. Anemia often occurs in people who have been in bed for long periods (e.g., if they are very sick) or have decreased mobility (anemia of immobility). Interestingly, astronauts who have left Earth and traveled in space also return anemic. In fact, 5 decades of NASA data showed that astronauts' anemia was more severe the longer they were in space. In another study, astronauts aboard the International Space Station were shown to destroy 54% more of their RBCs in space. RBC destruction may be the culprit of space anemia as well as anemia of immobility on Earth. The ANEMIA Study proposes to measure key aspects of RBC destruction in astronauts in space. These measures will test critical hypotheses on the effects of spaceflight on red blood cells.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Astronauts selected to fly on a space mission.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Astronauts not selected to fly on a space mission.

Study Design

Total Participants: 8
Study Start date:
May 02, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
September 15, 2024

Connect with a study center

  • Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

    Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9
    Canada

    Site Not Available

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