Factors influencing anaemia in dialysis patients. A special survey by the EDTA-ERA Registry

The European Dialysis and Transplantation Association—EuropeanRenal Association (EDTA-ERA) Registry conducted a special studyon anaemia in dialysis patients because it seemed importantto elucidate the various factors that influence the degree ofanaemia and the use of regular transfusions in dialysis patientsbefore the introduction of recombinant human erythropoietin(rHuEpo) for larger groups of patients. In a 20% sample of allpatients recorded to have been dialysed throughout 1987, statisticallysignificant associations could be found by multifactorial analysisbetween haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and age, sex, primaryrenal disease, type of treatment, hours of dialysis per week,and number of years on renal replacement therapy. The type ofdialyser membrane did not seem to play a role (although therewas weak evidence of an effect of the dialyser). Mean Hb concentrationfor dialysis patients differed between countries as did thetransfusion policy. In view of the high costs of the rHuEpotreatment and potential side-effects, factors such as methodof dialysis and hours of haemodialysis per week should be takeninto consideration in the treatment of anaemia in dialysis patients.