Effects of different treatment methods on renal anemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients with hyperparathyroidism secondary to uremia

Objective To observe the effects of three treatment methods on renal anemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients with hyperparathyroidism secondary to uremia and analyze the influencing factors of erythropoietin (EPO) dosage. Methods A total of 55 maintenance hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism at the hemodialysis center of Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University from January 2015 to December 2016 were retrospectively divided into three groups according to different treatment methods, parathyroidectomy +forearm transplantation group (surgery group, n=16), cinacalcet treatment group (n=6), and calcitriol treatment group (n=33), respectively. The hemoglobin level and erythropoietin dosage were measured before treatment and in the 3rd month, the 6th month and the 12th month after treatment. The changes of hemoglobin and erythropoietin dosage in the three groups before and after treatment were observed, and the mixed effect model was used to analyze the difference of the change of hemoglobin and erythropoietin dosage among three groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of EPO dosage after one year. Results The levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in the surgery group and the cinacalcet group before treatment were significantly higher than that in the calcitriol group (both P＜0.05). In the 12th month after treatment, the levels of iPTH decreased significantly in the patients of surgery group and the cinacalcet group compared with those before treatment (both P＜0.05). The levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, serum calcium and serum phosphorus in the surgery group also decreased significantly compared with those before treatment (all P＜0.05). The mixed effect model analysis showed that the hemoglobin level of surgery group was on an upward trend after the treatment, and the overall level was significantly higher than cinacalcet and calcitriol treatment group (P=0.007). There was no significant difference in the dosage change of erythropoietin (EPO) in the three groups over time. However, the intra-group comparison of the mixed effect model showed that the dosage of EPO in the 12th month was significantly lower than that of before the treatment in surgery group (P=0.007). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that dialysis vintage (B=-0.064, P=0.012) and ferritin ≥ 500 μg/L (B=0.645, P=0.032) were independent influencing factors of EPO dosage. The longer the dialysis vintage, the less EPO dosage, and more EPO dosage were observed in patients with ferritin ≥ 500 μg/L. Conclusions Parathyroidectomy and forearm transplantation is more effective in reducing EPO dosage and improving renal anemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Dialysis vintage and ferritin are independent influencing factors for the dosage of EPO.     

Recombinant human erythropoietin independence in chronic hemodialysis patients: clinical features, iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis

AIMS: Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) is widely used to correct renal anemia in uremic patients. Interestingly, some chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients can maintain high hemoglobin level without the need of r-HuEPO. The aim of this study is to investigate clinical features, iron metabolism and erythropoiesis of these r-HuEPO-independent HD patients. METHODS: r-HuEPO independence was defined in dialysis patients as hemoglobin greater than 12 g/dl and no use of r-HuEPO for at least 6 months. An age- and sex-matched group was selected for comparison. Their underlying diseases, duration of hemodialysis therapy, efficacy of dialysis (Kt/V), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Laboratory data including: hemoglobin, albumin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, ferritin, intact parathyroid hormone, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), serum EPO, cortisol, testosterone, aluminum and leptin levels were measured. Renal sonography was also performed in each patient to evaluate renal cyst formation. RESULTS: About 2.3% of all HD patients (21/888; M : F = 18 : 3) were r-HuEPO-independent. These patients had significantly longer HD duration and higher serum EPO and sTfR levels, and lower transferrin saturation rate than dependent groups. Correlation analysis revealed that hemoglobin level strongly correlated with HD duration, serum sTfR and EPO levels. Levels of sTfR were positively related with serum EPO levels and BMI. Multivariate regression analysis showed that level of sTfR was the only independent factor related to r-HuEPO independence. CONCLUSION: R-HuEPO independence is rare among chronic hemodialysis patients. Factors contributing to this dependence are complex and multiple. Level of serum sTfR parallels erythropoiesis and is the most significant factor associated with r-HuEPO independence in chronic HD patients.     

维持性血液透析患者血红蛋白波动的临床研究

目的了解维持性血液透析患者血红蛋白(Hb)波动情况,初步探讨Hb波动的影响因素。 方法选取复旦大学附属中山医院血液透析中心透析龄超过12个月的患者。以Hb110～120 g/L为靶目标值,根据前后两个月的Hb变化值是否达到10 g/L分为波动组和非波动组。应用多因素Logistic回归分析Hb波动的影响因素。 结果共163例患者,基线Hb值为(107.52±15.47)g/L,随访期平均Hb值为(106.57±15.22)g/L。基线及随访期Hb达标情况大致相似,46.6%～56.4%患者Hb未达标(Hb<110 g/L)。随访期中仅有1.2%患者Hb始终达标。患者平均Hb波动值为8.15±5.01 g/L,Hb波动率为27.0%,短期波动在大多数血液透析患者中较常见,少数患者Hb长期处于不稳定状态。非波动组患者的透析龄和基础Hb值显著高于波动组(t＝－5.602, P＝0.048; t＝－1.731, P＝0.010),促红细胞生成素(EPO)剂量显著低于波动组(t＝6.218, P<0.001)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,经过透析龄<24个月、基础Hb<100 g/L等因素校正后,EPO剂量≥200 U/(kg·w)与Hb波动显著独立相关(OR＝4.7,95%CI 3.2～9.3,P＝0.030)。 结论Hb波动在维持性血液透析患者中普遍存在,少数患者Hb长期处于不稳定状态。Hb波动较大的维持性血液透析患者EPO剂量应用也较大。     

超纯透析液对血液透析患者促红素低反应性的影响

目的 探讨超纯透析液对维持性血液透析患者促红细胞生成素低反应性的影响.方法 选择维持性血液透析患者70例,随机分为普通透析液组(CD组,35例)和超纯透析液组(UPD组,35例),随访1年后观察两组超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)和促红细胞生成素抵抗指数(Erythropoietin resistance index,ERI)的差异.结果 ①以ERI为因变量进行多元逐步线性回归分析,显示hs-CRP是ERI最为重要的独立影响因素(R2=0.699,p＜0.001);②随访1年后两组间hs-CRP差异有统计学意义(5.12±2.74 vs 3.77±2.19,P＜0.05),超纯透析液组ERI有明显改善(11.06±5.27 vs 16.42±7.05,p＜0.01).结论 ①C-反应蛋白升高是促红细胞生成素抵抗的独立影响因素;②使用超纯透析液可改善患者炎症状态和促红素低反应性.     

非糖尿病血液透析患者的糖化血红蛋白的水平变化

目的观察血液透析患者的糖化血红蛋白（HbAlc）,并分析其相关的影响因素。方法选择非糖尿病血液透析患者54例（透析组）,检测HbAlc、血红蛋白（Hb）、透析时间（Ht）、红细胞生成素（EPO）剂量等;另设对照组为同期进行糖耐量试验（OGTT）证实为非糖尿病的一般查体人群121例。比较2组HbAlc,并应用多元线性回归分析透析组中Hb、每周Ht及EPO剂量对HbAlc的影响。结果透析组与对照组HbAlc分别是（5．3％±0．6％）和（5．8％±0．5％）,说明相对于非糖尿病的一般人群,非糖尿病血液透析患者的HbAlc水平显著低下。Hb、Ht、EPO对HbAlc均无明显的影响（P〉0．05）。结论非糖尿病血液透析患者HbAlc水平较正常人显著降低。     

Maintenance intravenous iron therapy in pediatric hemodialysis patients

Iron supplementation is required for optimal response to erythropoietin (EPO) in hemodialysis patients. This is due to blood lost in the dialysis tubing after dialysis and the increased demand for iron by EPO therapy. Maintenance intravenous (IV) iron was administered according to a standardized protocol to pediatric patients on hemodialysis in our institution. The effect of this protocol on EPO dose, iron indices, anemia, and medication costs was evaluated. Data on two groups of patients were retrieved from the health records. Group 1 (n=14) consisted of patients treated in the 18 months prior to the protocol. These patients received oral iron supplements and occasional IV iron. Group 2 (n=5) consisted of all patients treated with the IV iron protocol. There was no difference in clinical characteristics and mean values for monthly hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation between groups. The dose of EPO was significantly reduced in group 2 compared with group 1 (193.9±121.4 vs. 73.9±39.0 units/kg per week, P<0.05). Medication costs were reduced by 26% in group 2. No significant adverse events were seen. Maintenance IV iron reduced the dose of EPO required to maintain blood hemoglobin levels. Our results also suggest that maintenance IV iron is a more-economic method of iron supplementation for pediatric hemodialysis patients. Received: 13 November 2000 / Revised: 23 April 2001 / Accepted: 24 April 2001     

Reducing versus discontinuing erythropoietin at high hemoglobin levels

A 2006 change in Medicare policy allowed reimbursement for erythropoietin (EPO) in dialysis patients whose most recent hemoglobin exceeded 13 g/dl. We investigated the effects of a change in dosing algorithm implemented in response to this policy, in which EPO dosages were reduced instead of temporarily discontinued for hemoglobin levels > or =13 g/dl. Among 1688 individuals in 18 hemodialysis units, the reduction protocol resulted in more hemoglobin levels > or =13 g/dl (P < 0.0001), fewer levels between 11 and 12.9 g/dl (P < or = 0.004), no difference in the proportion of levels <11 g/dl, and more EPO administered per session (P < 0.0001) than the discontinuation protocol. In view of the expense of erythropoiesis stimulating agents and the uncertainty of the safety of using EPO to achieve high hemoglobin targets, this study suggests that discontinuation, rather than reduction, of EPO treatment is appropriate when hemoglobin reaches 13 g/dl in hemodialysis patients.     

ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers in dialysed patients and erythropoietin resistance

BACKGROUND: To examine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are associated with a state of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) resistance in hemodialyzed patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving all dialysis facilities in French-speaking Switzerland. All patients treated with rHuEPO in March 2001 were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected in 515 patients treated with chronic hemodialysis (HD) and rHuEPO. Patients were classified into five groups according to their antihypertensive treatment. The main outcomes of the study were the mean rHuEPO dosage and the prevalence of erythropoietin EPO resistance among the groups. Erythropoietin resistance was defined as a weekly rHuEPO dosage >300 units/kg/wk. RESULTS: The mean rHuEPO dosage and the prevalence of EPO resistance were similar in patients treated with ACEIs (n = 138, mean EPO dosage 109 units/kg/wk, EPO resistance 12%), ARBs (n = 59, mean EPO dosage 120 units/kg/wk, EPO resistance 7%), both (n = 10, mean EPO dosage 109 units/kg/wk, EPO resistance 10%), other drugs (n = 137, mean EPO dosage 110 units/kg/wk, EPO resistance 10%) and no antihypertensive treatment (n = 171, mean EPO dosage 90 units/kg/wk, EPO resistance 9%). Differences were not statistically significant. Patients with rHuEPO resistance were characterized by a higher frequency of hospitalization and a more pronounced inflammatory state. There was no difference in the use of ACEIs and ARBs between patients with and without EPO resistance (37 vs. 41%, ns). CONCLUSIONS: Neither the use of ACEIs nor ARBs is associated with a state of rHuEPO resistance among hemodialyzed patients.     

Current management of renal anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease at the predialysis stage

OBJECTIVE: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are frequently complicated by renal anemia as renal function declines. However, clinical guidelines on erythrocyte stimulating agents (erythropoietin : EPO) for such patients have not been established. Current clinical practice for EPO administration is based on the recommendations of the Japanese health insurance regulations, which have not always been supported by clinical evidence. MATERIALS & METHODS: The study subjects were 49 patients with CKD staged above 3 who had developed renal anemia requiring EPO. These patients were treated with EPO S. C. at the dose of 6,000 IU/week together with iron supplementation as deemed necessary for more than 24 weeks. RESULTS: The hemoglobin (Hb) value was 9.2 +/- 1.0 g/dL at the start, 10.9 +/- 1.6 g/dL at the peak (n = 49, p < 0.001 the start vs. the peak), and 9.0 +/- 1.6 g/dL at the commencement of dialysis (n = 49, p < 0.001 the peak vs. the commencement of dialysis). Seventy-one percent (35/49) of the patients achieved Hb levels over 10 g/dL, and 51% (25/49) achieved Hb levels over 11 g/dL. Conversely, 28% (14/49) of the patients failed to reach an Hb level over 10 g/dL. Factors explaining the good response to EPO (good responders were defined as those achieving Hb levels over 11 g/dL) had shown high Hb levels at the start (Logistic multiple regression analysis, p = 0.03) along with low creatinine concentration at the start (Cox's proportional hazard models, p = 0.015). Transferrin saturation (TSAT) at the start was 33.6 +/- 13.6%, 34.0 +/- 19.9% at the peak, and 24.7 +/- 11.6% at the commencement of dialysis, showing a significant reduction in TSAT at the commencement of dialysis compared to that at the start (n = 49, p = 0.0383, the start vs. the commencement of dialysis). Serum ferritin concentration was 140.7 +/- 139.5 pg/mL at the start, 107.9 +/- 110.8 pg/mL at the peak, and 131.9 +/- 112.4 pg/mL at the commencement of dialysis, indicating an absence of significant differences among the three time points. CONCLUSION: The current health insurance regulations in Japan seem to be inappropriate in that the permitted EPO dosage of 6,000 IU/week might not be sufficient to achieve the target Hb level of more than 11 g/dL in most patients with CKD. To more efficiently achieve renoprotection, both early and timely initiation of EPO and reconsideration of the recommended EPO dosage appear to be warranted.     

维持性血液透析患者氧化应激水平多因素分析

目的 探究维持性血液透析(MHD)患者的氧化应激水平,并分析其影响因素,为干预提供依据.方法 选取MHD患者152例(HD组),选取健康人群30例(对照组),分别检测各组的血浆丙二醛(MDA)、总抗氧化能力(TAC)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、血浆白蛋白(ALB)、肌酐(Scr)、尿酸(UA),并统计MHD患者的透析龄、是否应用静脉铁剂、促红细胞生成素(EPO)用量等信息,运用多重线性回归法分析微炎症状态、透析龄、血浆白蛋白、肌酐等因素对MHD患者氧化应激状态的影响.结果 HD组的MDA水平高于对照组(P＜0.05),而TAC水平低于对照组(P＜0.05),微炎症状态、静脉补铁、透析龄、Scr与MDA呈正相关,其中微炎症状态的标准化偏回归系数最大.ALB、UA、EPO与MDA呈负相关、与TAC呈正相关.结论 MHD患者的氧化应激水平高于正常人群,且微炎症状态对氧化应激的影响高于其他因素.     

The effect of high-flux hemodialysis on renal anemia

BACKGROUND: Anemia is an important predictor of mortality and morbidity in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Erythropoietin (EPO) is an expensive drug, which increases the cost of therapy. In addition, anemia persists in 20-30% of cases despite EPO treatment. In this study, which depended on the idea that the clearance of moderate and high molecular weight erythropoiesis inhibitors leads to an improvement in terms of anemia, we aimed to investigate the effect of high-flux dialysis on anemia and EPO requirement in patients undergoing HD. METHODS: The study included 48 patients with ESRD on chronic HD treatment who could not reach the target hemoglobin (Hb) level, despite treatment with at least 200 IU/kg/week subcutaneous EPO. Patients were randomized into two groups and HD was performed with polysulphone low-flux dialyzer (Fresenius F6 HPS) or polysulphone high-flux dialyzer (Fresenius F60) for 6 months. RESULTS: Although the EPO doses were significantly lower (p<0.001) in the high-flux dialysis group, Hb levels showed a significant increase (p<0.001). In the low-flux dialysis group, Hb levels showed no significant increase, despite the steady increase in EPO doses. In the high-flux group, the reduction of beta2-microglobulin (b2-MG) and phosphorus levels during dialysis was significantly higher when compared to the low-flux group (p<0.001). During the follow-up period, while b2-MG levels decreased significantly in the high-flux group (p<0.05), there was an increase in the low-flux group (p<0.05). Kt/V(urea) values showed no significant difference throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that high-flux dialysis use is effective and this can be an alternative method in terms of controlling renal anemia and reducing the cost of therapy. These beneficial effects of high-flux dialysis are probably mediated by the improved clearance of moderate and high molecular weight toxins.     

Correction of Hemodialysis Anemia is Associated with Significant Increase in Serum Concentration of IGF-I in Patients Treated with Erythropoietin: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: The effect of erythropoietin (EPO) therapy on the serum level of IGF-I among hemodialysis patients is debated. The aim of this study is to study the effect of EPO on the erythropoiesis and the change of serum level of IGF-I among adequately hemodialyzed patients. Patients and methods: Forty patients (25 males and 15 females) who had an adequate level of both hemodialysis and nutrition were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Besides parenteral iron, the first group of patients received a conventional EPO dose regimen of 2000 U subcutaneously (SC) thrice weekly, the second group of patients remained on parenteral iron and ranked as a control group. The patients were subjected to thorough laboratory investigations. IGF-I concentration was measured before and at the end of the study. Results. Both groups were comparable in their demographic, laboratory, dialysis level, and nutritional status. There was no statistical differences in hemoglobin, hematocrit %, iron store indices and serum level of IGF-I at the study entry. We found a significant rise of both hemoglobin and hematocrit as well as IGF-I serum level in the EPO group at the end of the study in comparison to their values at the starting points in comparison to the control group (P< 0.001). Conclusion: Erythropoietin therapy enhances erythropoiesis and modulates the serum concentration of IGF-I.     

腹膜透析与血液透析患者血清钙磷及甲状旁腺激素水平控制及其影响因素的对比研究

目的 对比血液透析及腹膜透析患者钙磷及甲状旁腺激素水平控制情况并分析相关影响因素.方法 单中心横断面观察研究纳入2013年3月至2015年3月在我院接受规律维持性透析治疗3个月以上、临床状况稳定的患者.收集患者临床资料,分析比较不同透析方式的患者血钙、血磷、全段甲状旁腺激素(intact parathyroid hor...     

Clinical outcomes for maintenance hemodialysis patients using a high-flux (FX60) dialyzer

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the clinical outcomes of maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients using a high-flux (FX60) dialyzer. Method: Thirty patients undergoing dialysis for at least 2 years with a low-flux dialyzer were switched to the FX60 dialyzer for 3 years. Clinical and biochemical analysis was performed monthly for each patient. The parameters monitored included blood pressure, hemoglobin, albumin, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium and phosphorus levels, the adequacy of dialysis (Kt/V), beta2-microglobulin (β2-MG) clearance rate, as well as antihypertensive and erythropoietin (EPO) medications. Results: After 3 years of dialysis with an FX60 dialyzer, the mean arterial blood pressure fell, hemoglobin increased, serum phosphate level decreased, iPTH declined and medication doses decreased. Conclusions: Dialysis with the FX60 dialyzer has a better clinical outcome for rectifying renal anemia, controlling hypertension and lowering serum phosphate levels making it a better choice for long-term HD patients.     

Hemoglobin levels and erythropoietin doses in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients in the United States

Erythropoietic agents, a cornerstone of management, are a major component of the cost of renal replacement therapy. The objectives of this study were to compare (on a month-by-month basis) U.S. hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients in terms of the proportion of patients receiving erythropoietin, erythropoietin doses, and hemoglobin levels after initiation of erythropoietin. Patients studied (hemodialysis, n = 121,970; peritoneal dialysis, n = 7129) began dialysis between 1995 and 2000, had Medicare as their primary payer, were 65 yr old or older at dialysis inception, had no erythropoietin claims before dialysis inception, and did not have a switch in dialysis modality in the first 6 mo of dialysis therapy. Total monthly erythropoietin doses and average monthly hemoglobin levels were calculated from Medicare claims. The proportion of patients who received erythropoietin plateaued at 3 mo in both groups: 25% in peritoneal dialysis patients and 80% in hemodialysis patients. However, monthly erythropoietin doses plateaued at 30,000 units in peritoneal dialysis patients and 60,000 units in hemodialysis patients, a disparity not explicable by differences in baseline characteristics. Among subjects who received erythropoietin, mean hemoglobin levels were similar at steady state in both populations and met the National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative hemoglobin target level of 11 to 12 g/dl. Hemoglobin levels in U.S. hemodialysis and peritoneal populations are similar. However, erythropoietin doses are dramatically higher in hemodialysis patients.     

Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of epoetin beta and epoetin alfa in maintenance phase hemodialysis patients

In May 2009 for financial reasons, the epoetin product used for hemoglobin (Hb) maintenance in our renal dialysis unit was changed from epoetin beta to epoetin alfa. Although widely believed that the dosage requirements are the same, we undertook a retrospective analysis to investigate whether the dosage requirements in chronic renal failure patients were comparable for both preparations. We studied 128 stable end-stage renal failure patients on hemodialysis (three times per week) receiving erythropoietin therapy to maintain their Hb at 11-12.5 g/dL. Patients were excluded if within the study period they developed signs of infection, bleeding, required blood transfusion, were under-dialyzed, or required hospital admission. Regular monthly Hb concentrations and hematocrit (Hct) levels were measured for each patient. The weekly EPO index (defined as weekly epoetin dose/mean monthly Hct) was derived for each patient, before and after regime change. Of the 128 patients in end-stage renal failure, 79 were included in the study. There was no significant difference between the two preparations in terms of Hct level achieved (p = 0.15). However, the median weekly epoetin dose requirement increased from 6733 (range 750-30,000) IU/week to 9000 (250-30,667) IU/week (p < 0.001). EPO index similarly increased from 20,465 (2500-130,846) IU/week/% to 27,073 (729-98,937) IU/week/% (p < 0.001). Our study showed that a higher dose of epoetin alfa was needed to maintain target Hb concentration.     

Effectiveness of erythropoiesis on supervised intradialytic oral iron and vitamin C therapy is correlated with Kt/V and patient weight

BACKGROUND: Poor compliance to oral medication and diet is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients and limits the ability of oral iron therapy to support erythropoiesis. Intravenous (i.v.) iron may be associated with undesirable and sometimes life-threatening complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We hypothesized that intradialytic oral iron therapy can overcome compliance problems and support effective maintenance erythropoiesis, which will keep Hct in the range of 33% to 36% and EPO requirements up to 50 units/week/kg. In a prospective observational study, SC EPO-treated hospital-based HD patients without conditions known to cause EPO resistance, were managed on intradialytic oral administration of iron and vitamin C. The primary endpoints were EPO requirements and resistance to EPO which standardized EPO requirements by the Hct level. Secondary endpoints included parameters that might affect the primary endpoints. Exclusion criteria were refusal to take oral medication, prestudy Hct < 27%, recent i.v. iron therapy or transfusions, bleeding, clinical conditions obligating Hct > 30% and known causes of EPO resistance. Twelve patients completed minimal follow-up period of 9 months. RESULTS: Mean Hct was 34.4% (range: 31.8% - 40.2%). EPO requirements were 61.7 +/- 28.2 units/kg and below 52.5 units/kg in 50% of patients. Patients were classified into equal groups according to resistance to EPO, which was positively correlated (r = 0.71 p < 0.01) with body weight and Kt/V (r = -0.38, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, intradialytic oral iron therapy can support effective maintenance erythropoiesis in 50% of patients without known causes for EPO resistance. High response to EPO and low EPO requirement are correlated with lower body weight and possibly improved dialysis.     

Prevalence of anemia in erythropoietin-treated pediatric as compared to adult chronic dialysis patients

BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines recommend a target hemoglobin range of 11 to 12 g/dL in pediatric and adult dialysis patients. We compared anemia prevalence in United States Medicare pediatric and adult dialysis patients. METHODS: Prevalent hemodialysis patients (0 to 19 years, pediatric: N= 1692; adult: N= 352,291) and peritoneal dialysis patients (pediatric: N= 597; adult: N= 39,136) treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) from 1996 to 2000 were selected. Mean annual hemoglobin values were calculated by modality, age, sex, and race. RESULTS: Among hemodialysis patients, mean annual hemoglobin values less than 11 g/dL were present in pediatric and adult patients during 54.1% versus 39.8% patient years, respectively (P < 0.0001); for peritoneal dialysis patients, 69.5% versus 55.1% (P < 0.0001). Mean hemoglobin values increased over time and were 11.2, 11.5, 10.8, and 11.2 g/dL for pediatric and adult hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, respectively, in 2000. Pediatric hemodialysis patients received intravenous iron less frequently than adults (66.3% vs. 82.5% patient years; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Hemoglobin values in rHuEPO-treated pediatric dialysis patients lagged behind those of adult patients, with pediatric patients achieving target hemoglobin values only a minority of the time (45.9% and 30.5% patient years, respectively, for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis). Trends show recent improvement in anemia treatment of children on dialysis. Still, further attention to and analysis of rHuEPO and iron therapy in pediatric dialysis patients is warranted.     

Relationship between anemia and clinic outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective To analysis the relationship between anemia and clinic outcomes retrospectively in maintenance hemodialysis patients for Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China. Methods This study enrolled all maintenance hemodialysis（MHD）patients between 1 January, 2007 and 31 December, 2014 at the Renji Hospital. They were followed up until death, cessation of hemodialysis, transfer to other centers or to the end of the study (31 December, 2014). Laboratory parameters, including hemoglobin concentrations, transferrin saturation, ferritin, serum albumin, were measured every 3 months. According to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) guidelines, the patients were divided into target-hemoglobin group (110≤Hb ≤120 g/L) and non target-hemoglobin group ( 120 g/L), and then the compliance rate of Hb, Ferritin, transferrin saturation, and the influence factors of compliance rate of Hb as well as its relationship with the prognosis were analyzed. Results Total 517 maintenance hemodialysis patients were involved in this study. The mean age was (63.76±14.78) years and 59.96% patients were male. Only 35.20%, 91.26% and 31.18% of them met the K/DOQI defined targets for hemoglobin, transferrin saturation and ferritin levels. The average levels of TSAT and Ferritin had no significant difference between the target-hemoglobin group and the non target-hemoglobin group. Compared with patients in non target-hemoglobin group, the target-hemoglobin group had significantly higher qualified rate of transferrin saturation (94.97% vs 89.41%, P=0.045) and Ferritin (37.22% vs 28.13%, P=0.036). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the serum albumin, blood intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and dialysis vintage were independent risk factors that affected whether hemoglobin was up to the target. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 8-year survival rate and cardiovascular survival rate in target-hemoglobin group were obviously higher than that in the non target-hemoglobin group (86.70% vs 75.30%, χ2Log rank=7.134, P=0.008; 93.80% vs 85.30%, χ2Log rank=6.134, P=0.013, respectively). Dialysis frequency, age and ferritin were independent risk factors of all-cause mortality for non target-hemoglobin group, and Dialysis frequency was independent risk factors of cardio-cerebral vascular disease mortality for non target-hemoglobin group. Conclusions The compliance rate of hemoglobin in MHD patients is still not steady controlled. Blood iPTH, serum albumin and dialysis vintage are independent risk factors that affect whether hemoglobin is up to the target in MHD patients. Sub-standard hemoglobin increases both all-cause mortality and cardio-cerebral vascular disease mortality in MHD patients.     

Recombinant human erythropoietin: 18 months' experience in hemodialysis patients

It has been shown that the regular administration of erythropoietin (EPO) permits the correction of anemia in end-stage renal failure patients. We analyzed the effect of chronic administration of EPO in 13 stable, regularly dialyzed end-stage renal failure patients over an 18-month period. The effects of EPO were evaluated according to standard criteria including clinical status, blood pressure control, hematology and biochemistry data, protein nutritional status, and dialysis efficiency. Following a 2-week control period, EPO was administered intravenously (IV) after the dialysis session according to a two-phase protocol. The first period (correction phase) consisted of a stepwise EPO dose increment, starting at 3 x 24 IU/kg/wk and doubling the dose every 14 days according to hemoglobin response in order to achieve a target hemoglobin level of approximately 11.0 g/dL (110 g/L). In the second period (maintenance phase) EPO dose was optimized to maintain the hemoglobin level between 100 and 110 g/L (10.0 and 11.0 g/dL), by adjusting either the unit dose or the frequency of injection. Anemia was corrected in all patients within 11 weeks, with EPO dose increasing from 72 to 360 IU/kg/wk. The stabilization of hemoglobin was achieved with an average EPO dose of 275 IU/kg/wk (50 to 476 IU/kg/wk). Concomitantly, a subjective and clinical improvement was noted in all patients. The dialysis efficacy remained in an acceptable range throughout the study, falling significantly (approximately 10%) through the first 3 months of treatment to stabilize at an effective urea clearance of approximately 120 L/wk. The dietary protein intake calculated from urea kinetic modeling ranged between 1.1 and 1.2 g/kg/d.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)