Cardiovascular effect of normalizing the hematocrit level during erythropoietin therapy in predialysis patients with chronic renal failure

Roxadustat reduces left ventricular mass index compared to rHuEPO in haemodialysis patients in a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is highly prevalent in haemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with an increased risk of death. Roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, abbreviated as EPO) are the main treatment strategies for renal anaemia in HD patients, but it has not been clear whether there is a difference in their effect on LVH.

METHODS

In this multi-centre, prospective, randomized trial of 12-month duration, study participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the roxadustat group or the EPO group. The doses of both treatment regimens were adjusted so that the patients had a haemoglobin level of 10.0-12.0 g per dL. The primary study endpoint was the change from baseline to 12 months in the left ventricular mass index (LVMI, g/m2) measured by echocardiography.

RESULTS

In total, 114 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 50 years, and the median dialysis duration was 33 months. Sixty-one patients were men, and 24 were diabetic. LVMI decreased from 116.18 ± 27.84 to 110.70 ± 25.74 g/m2 in the roxadustat group. However, it increased from 109.35 ± 23.41 to 114.99 ± 28.46 g/m2 in the EPO group, with a significant difference in the change in LVMI between the two groups [-5.48 (-11.60 to 0.65) vs. 5.65 (0.74 to 10.55), p < 0.05]. Changes in left ventricular mass, end-diastolic volume and 6-min walk test seemed superior in the roxadustat group. There were no significant differences in other cardiac geometry, biochemical parameters and major adverse cardiovascular events between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to EPO, roxadustat is more helpful in the regression of LVH in HD patients.

Anemia combined with albuminuria increases the risk of cardiovascular and renal events, regardless of a reduced glomerular filtration rate, in patients with type 2 diabetes: a prospective observational study

Aim

The incidence of cardiovascular and renal events was investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes who were classified according to anemia and the components of dialysis-independent chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a prospective observational study.

Methods

A population of 778 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes was prospectively analyzed for 4 years. The outcomes were the incidence of cardiovascular events and renal events.

Results

In all subjects, the incidence of cardiovascular and renal events was found to be 5% and 11%, respectively. Even after adjusting for a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), the incidence of cardiovascular events was significantly higher (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.73) in patients with anemia and albuminuria than in those without anemia and albuminuria. The incidence of renal events was significantly higher in patients with no anemia and albuminuria (HR: 2.93) and further in those with anemia and albuminuria (HR: 7.56) than in those without anemia and albuminuria even after adjusting for a reduced eGFR.

Conclusion

Anemia combined with albuminuria is a risk factor for vascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes, regardless of the eGFR.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-023-00637-x.

Association between serum phosphate levels and anemia in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: a retrospective cross-sectional study from the Fuji City CKD Network

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) present high mortality and morbidity rates despite the availability of various therapies. Although CKD-mineral and bone disorder (MBD) and renal anemia are important factors in patients with CKD, only few studies have analyzed the relationship between them. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between CKD-MBD and anemia in patients with CKD who did not receive erythropoiesis-stimulating agent or iron therapies.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients with CKD aged ≥ 20 years with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories G2a to G5 who were referred to the Fuji City General Hospital between April 2018 and July 2019. The exclusion criterion was ongoing treatment for CKD-MBD and/or anemia.

RESULTS

The data of 300 patients with CKD were analyzed in this study. The median age of patients was 71 (range, 56.5-79) years. The median eGFR was 34 (range, 20-48) mL/min/1.73 m2, and the mean hemoglobin (Hb) level was 12.7 g/dL (standard deviation, 2.3), which decreased as the CKD stage increased. In a multivariate linear regression analysis of anemia-related factors, including age, renal function (eGFR), nutritional status, inflammation, and iron dynamics (serum iron level, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin levels), the serum phosphate levels were significantly associated with the Hb levels (coefficient [95% confidence interval], -0.73 [-1.1, -0.35]; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a robust association between serum phosphate levels and Hb levels in the low-ferritin (coefficient [95% confidence interval], -0.94 [-1.53, -0.35]; P = 0.002) and advanced CKD groups (coefficient [95% confidence interval], -0.89 [-1.37, -0.41]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an association between high serum phosphate levels and low Hb levels in patients with CKD not receiving treatment for anemia. These results underscore the possibility of a mechanistic overlap between CKD-MBD and anemia.

Relationship Between the Effect of Roxadustat and Comorbid Diabetes in Non-dialyzed Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction The dose of roxadustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitor, required to treat anemia, the hemoglobin level and the rate of hemoglobin target achievement were retrospectively investigated in non-dialyzed chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Methods As the full analysis set, 25 subjects (10 with diabetes and 15 without diabetes) were observed over six months among 44 non-dialyzed CKD patients who received roxadustat. The target hemoglobin level was set at 110-130 g/L. Results The comorbidities of diabetes and body weight at baseline were significantly associated with each dose of roxadustat at six months and the change in each dose of roxadustat from the initiation of roxadustat treatment. There was no significant difference in the amount of increase in the hemoglobin level (14±11 g/L vs. 15±8 g/L) and the rate of hemoglobin target achievement (70% vs. 67%) between patients with and without diabetes. Each dose of roxadustat gradually decreased in patients without diabetes, whereas it increased in those with diabetes. Each dose of roxadustat was significantly higher in patients with diabetes than in those without diabetes at 3 (60±21 mg vs. 42±14 mg) and 6 (61±22 mg vs. 41±14 mg) months after the initiation of roxadustat treatment. Conclusion Roxadustat is useful for the treatment of anemia in both CKD patients with and without diabetes. However, the dose required to achieve the target hemoglobin level may be higher in patients with diabetes than in those without diabetes.

Impact of anemia treatment for left ventricular hypertrophy using long-acting erythropoietin-stimulating agents from the pre-dialysis to maintenance dialysis period in patients with chronic kidney disease, retrospective longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

Anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (p-CKDs) may initiate or exacerbate left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This study aimed to determine whether treatment using long-acting erythropoietin-stimulating agents (L-ESAs) is independently associated with LVH during the pre-dialysis to maintenance dialysis period in p-CKDs.

METHODS

Physical and laboratory examinations were performed 120 days before initiating dialysis in p-CKDs (baseline). To evaluate the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) after starting dialysis, the mean hemoglobin (Hb) was defined as the average at the start of dialysis and 6 months after starting dialysis. Changes in the LVMI were observed in three groups according to mean Hb levels (Hb < 10.1, 10.1 < Hb < 11.0, and Hb > 11.0 g/dL for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). LVMI was evaluated using echocardiography at the pre-dialysis, initiation, and maintenance dialysis periods.

RESULTS

A lower LVMI at dialysis initiation and an improvement in LVMI were detected in the highest tertile group of mean Hb (11.0 g/dl). Consequently, in the high Hb group (Hb level > 11.0 g/dl), LVMI remained low from dialysis initiation until after 6 months.The relationship between Hb and LVMI was not significant; however, a constant correlation with β ≥ 0.4 in the absolute value was maintained.

CONCLUSION

L-ESAs may correlate with Hb and LVMI after administration, independent of the baseline LVMI and Hb values. These findings have therapeutic implications in the treatment strategies for p-CKDs during the pre-dialysis to maintenance dialysis period.

A Single Arm Clinical Study on the Effects of Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator Treatment in Non-Dialysis Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Renal Anemia

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents improve the NYHA functional class and decrease the hospital readmission rates for heart failure; however, little is known about the influence of continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) on the heart. Therefore, a prospective study was conducted to investigate the effects of CERA on cardiac and renal function and oxidative stress in chronic heart failure with renal anemia. Sixty patients with chronic heart failure and renal anemia were enrolled and received CERA for 12 months. The primary endpoints were hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit, and the secondary endpoints were: (1) atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP); (2) NYHA class; (3) echocardiography; (4) blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cystatin C, and urinary albumin; (5) high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; (6) oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL); and (7) renin, angiotensin-II, and aldosterone. There was a significant difference in the Hb levels measured before and after CERA administration. The BNP, ANP, NYHA, left ventricular mass index, renal function, and Ox-LDL decreased significantly after CERA administration. This study shows that CERA improves anemia and reduces renal impairment, as well as cardiac and oxidative stress. The result of this study is useful for a study in which switching from CERA to a new renal anemia drug, hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor, is investigated.

Hyporesponsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agent in non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients: The BRIGHTEN study

Among non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD) patients, a low hematopoietic response to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is a predictor for poor renal and cardiovascular outcome. To assess the method for evaluating hyporesponsiveness to ESA in patients with ND-CKD, a multicenter, prospective, observational study of 1,980 adult patients with ND-CKD with renal anemia was conducted. Darbepoetin alfa (DA) and iron supplement administrations were provided according to the recommendation of the attached document and the guidelines of JSDT (Japanese Society of Dialysis and Transplantation). The primary outcomes were progression of renal dysfunction and major adverse cardiovascular events. ESA responsiveness was assessed using pre-defined candidate formulae. During the mean follow-up period of 96 weeks, renal and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events occurred in 683 (39.6%) and 174 (10.1%) of 1,724 patients, respectively. Among pre-set candidate formulae, the one expressed by dividing the dose of DA by Hb level at the 12-week DA treatment was statistically significant in predicting renal (hazard ratio [HR], 1.449; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.231-1.705; P<0.0001) and CVD events (HR, 1.719; 95% CI, 1.239-2.386; P = 0.0010). The optimum cut-off values for both events were close to 5.2. In conclusion, hyporesponsiveness to ESA in ND-CKD cases, which is associated with a risk for renal and CVD events, may be evaluated practicably as the dose of DA divided by the Hb level at the 12-week DA treatment, and the cut-off value of this index is 5.2. A search for the causes of poor response and measures for them should be recommended in such patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials. gov Identifier: NCT02136563; UMIN Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: UMIN000013464.

Erythropoietin therapy improves endothelial function in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease and anemia (EARNEST-CKD): A clinical study

BACKGROUND

This study investigated whether administering erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) improves endothelial function in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anemia.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective, single-arm comparison study enrolled patients with non-dialysis CKD (stages 4-5) and hemoglobin levels <10 g/dL. ESA administration followed the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guideline. The primary endpoint was the change in flow-mediated dilatation after ESA administration in individual patients. The secondary endpoints were changes in 6-minute walk test results, blood pressure, New York Heart Association class, and echocardiographic parameters. The echocardiographic parameters examined included chamber quantification, Doppler parameters, and systolic and diastolic function parameters.

RESULTS

Initially, 13 patients were screened, but 2 discontinued due to either heart failure or voluntary withdrawal. The mean flow-mediated dilatation values significantly increased by 10.59% (from 1.36% ± 1.91% to 11.95% ± 8.11%, P = .001). Echocardiographic findings showed that the left ventricular mass index decreased by 11.9 g/m2 (from 105.8 ± 16.3 to 93.9 ± 19.5 g/m2, P  =  .006), and the left atrial volume index decreased by 10.8 mL/m2 (from 50.1 ± 11.3 to 39.3 ± 11.3 mL/m2, P = .004) after 12 weeks of ESA administration. There were no significant differences between pre- and post-ESA treatment 6-minute walk test results. No significant side effects were observed during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first clinical study to demonstrate that an ESA improves endothelial dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy, and left atrial volume in patients with non-dialysis CKD. Thus, ESAs may be considered as adjunctive therapy for reducing cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Risk factors for anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents significant impacts on patients, the health-care system, and financial resources. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the risk factors of anemia among CKD patients.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols statement guidelines. Studies were identified through systematic searches in September 2021 with no restrictions on date and time, and publication status using the following bibliographic databases: Embase, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library. The search was conducted using the following terms and phrases: "anemia", "risk factors", "associated factors", "chronic kidney injury", "chronic kidney disease", and "chronic renal insufficiency". The quality of each included study was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis was performed using STATATM version 14 statistical software for WindowsTM.

RESULTS

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis may help policymakers and program managers design evidence-based interventions on preventing the occurrence of anemia with CKD patient populations.

Risk Factors for Anemia in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease presents significant impacts on patients, the health-care system and financial resources. There is a significant variation in the primary studies on risk factors of anemia in this patient population across the globe. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the risk factors of anemia among chronic kidney disease patients at the global level.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched and complemented by manual searches. A Funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to determine publication bias. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects modes were applied to estimate pooled effect sizes, odds ratios, and 95% confidence interval across studies. Analysis was performed using STATA™ Version 14 software.

Result

A total of 28 studies with 24,008 study participants were included in this study. Female sex (AOR= 1.36; 95% CI 1.11, 1.67), stage 5 CKD (AOR = 13.66; 95% CI: 5.19, 35.92), body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m² (AOR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.91), comorbidities (AOR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.68, 5.0), proteinuria 3⁺(AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.03, 12.93), hypocalcemia (AOR=3.61, 95%CI: 1.56–8.36), and iron therapy (AOR: 0.59; 95% CI:0.31, 0.98) were significantly associated with anemia of chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion

Female sex, stage 5 CKD, body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m², comorbidity, and hypocalcemia were found to be significantly associated with anemia of chronic kidney disease. Therefore, situation-based interventions and country context-specific preventive strategies should be developed to reduce the risk factors of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure.

Sex-related associations among anemia, body mass index, and kidney function in Koreans: A cross-sectional study with propensity analysis

The association between anemia and body mass index (BMI) in Koreans, considering kidney function, has not been clarified. Thus, we aimed to examine the association between anemia and BMI among Korean adults aged ≥19 years.This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated male and female Korean adults aged ≥19 years who participated in the 5th, 6th, and 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) conducted between 2010 and 2017 were used. The participants were classified as underweight, normal weight, and overweight according to their BMI. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin levels of <13 g/dL for men and <12 g/dL for women according to the World Health Organization standards. Kidney function was evaluated according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), with abnormal kidney function in men defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Clinicodemographic variables were analyzed using logistic regression adjusted for weight. After propensity score matching (PSM), 6596 study participants were divided into 2 groups of 3298 participants each. Additionally, subgroup analysis by sex and kidney function was performed.On PSM, similar distribution patterns were obtained between the anemia and non-anemia groups; significant differences in BMI; kidney function; level of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum creatinine; iron intake; and eGFR were also observed between these groups. Anemia and BMI showed a significant association in both crude and adjusted logistic regression models. In model 2, which was adjusted for age, sex, education level, household income, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and exercise period, underweight men with abnormal kidney function showed a significantly higher risk of anemia than did normal weight men (odds ratio [OR]: 3.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-8.57; P = .016). Meanwhile, overweight men showed a significantly lower risk of anemia than did normal weight men (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.33-0.70, P < .001).Anemia is associated with BMI according to sex. Compared with normal weight men, underweight men with abnormal kidney function had a significantly higher prevalence of anemia after adjusting for kidney function and sex, thus highlighting their need for careful management for anemia.

Initial responsiveness to darbepoetin alfa and its contributing factors in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients in Japan

BACKGROUND

Hyporesponsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is associated with cardiovascular events and poor renal outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to investigate the initial responsiveness to darbepoetin alfa (DA) and its contributing factors using the data from the BRIGHTEN.

METHODS

Of 1980 patients enrolled at 168 facilities, 1695 were included in this analysis [285 patients were excluded mainly due to lack of hemoglobin (Hb) values]. The initial ESA response index (iEResI) was defined as a ratio of Hb changes over 12 weeks after DA administration per weight-adjusted total DA dose and contributing factors to iEResI were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 70 ± 12 years (male 58.8%; diabetic nephropathy 27.6%). The median creatinine and mean Hb levels at DA initiation were 2.62 mg/dL and 9.8 g/dL, respectively. The most frequent number of DA administration during 12 weeks was 3 times (41.1%), followed by 4 (15.6%) times with a wide distribution of the total DA dose (15-900 μg). Remarkably, 225 patients (13.3%) did not respond to DA. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender, hypoglycemic agent use, iron supplementation, high eGFR, low Hb, low CRP, low NT-proBNP, and low urinary protein-creatinine ratio were independently associated with better initial response to DA (P =  < 0.0001, 0.0108, < 0.0001, 0.0476, < 0.0001, 0.0004, 0.0435, and 0.0009, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-responder to DA accounted for 13.3% of patients with non-dialysis CKD. Iron supplementation, low CRP, low NT-proBNP, and less proteinuria were predictive and modifiable factors associated with better initial response to DA.

Treatment for renal anemia and outcomes in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: the current status of regional medicine according to the Kyoto Fushimi Renal Anemia (KFRA) study

BACKGROUND

The baseline data obtained in the CKD-JAC demonstrated that insufficient treatment was being provided for renal anemia by institutions specializing in renal disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the status of treatment for renal anemia, including renal/cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, at regional medical facilities since the development of long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (LA-ESA).

METHODS

Non-dialysis outpatients with chronic kidney disease and renal anemia were eligible. Anemia was treated based on the clinical condition of each patient and targeted hemoglobin (Hb) levels.

RESULTS

A total of 283 patients from 21 institutions were enrolled and followed up for a maximum of 3 years. A doubling of the serum creatinine level was observed in 89 patients, and renal replacement therapy was initiated in 57 patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that a lower mean Hb level (mHb) and receiving fewer frequency of ESA during the follow-up period were independent determinants of the composite renal outcome and overall mortality. During the follow-up period, the percentages of patients with mHb of 10-10.9 g/dL and ≥ 11 g/dL were increased. Similar trends were seen regardless of whether the patients were treated by nephrologists or non-nephrologists. The frequency of ESA treatment was increased among the patients treated by non-nephrologists; however, it was much lower than nephrologists.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that, in the era of LA-ESA treatment, higher Hb levels are associated with reduced composite renal outcomes at regional medical facilities. The importance of renal anemia management should be highlighted, even among non-nephrologists.

Association of Pre-End-Stage Renal Disease Hemoglobin with Early Dialysis Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Incident hemodialysis patients have a high mortality risk within the first months after dialysis initiation. Pre-end-stage renal disease (ESRD) factors like anemia management may impact early post-ESRD outcomes. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of pre-ESRD hemoglobin (Hgb) and pre-ESRD Hgb slope on post-ESRD mortality and hospitalization outcomes.

METHODS

The study included 31,472 veterans transitioning to ESRD. Using Cox and negative binomial regression models, we evaluated the association of pre-ESRD Hgb and Hgb slope with 12-month post-ESRD all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization rates using 4 levels of hierarchical multivariable adjustment, including erythropoietin use and kidney decline in slope models.

RESULTS

The cohort was 2% female, 30% African-American, and on average 68 ± 11 years old. Compared to Hgb 10-< 11 g/dL, both low (< 10 g/dL) and high (≥12 g/dL) levels were associated with higher all-cause mortality after full adjustment (HR 1.25 [95% CI 1.15-1.35] and 1.09 [95% CI 1.02-1.18], respectively). Similarly, Hgb exhibited a U-shaped association with CV mortality, while only lower Hgb was associated with a higher hospitalization rate. Neither an annual pre-ESRD decline in Hgb nor increase was associated with higher post-ESRD mortality risk after adjustment for kidney decline. However, we observed a modest J-shaped association between pre-ESRD Hgb slope and post-ESRD hospitalization rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower and higher pre-ESRD Hgb levels are associated with a higher risk of early post-ESRD mortality, while there was no association between the pre-ESRD slope and mortality. An increase in pre-ESRD Hgb slope was associated with higher risk of post-ESRD hospitalization. Additional studies aimed at anemia management prior to ESRD transition are warranted.

A Comparative Study of the Hemoglobin-Maintaining Effects Between Epoetin-β Pegol and Darbepoetin-α in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease During 3 Months Before Dialysis Initiation

Background and Objective

We compared the hemoglobin-maintaining effects between continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) and darbepoetin-α (DA) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) during the 3 months before dialysis initiation.

Methods

This study was conducted with 37 CERA-administered patients and 26 DA-administered patients who had initiated dialysis at a participating facility between January 2012 and December 2014. We investigated clinical laboratory data 3 months before and at dialysis initiation, and compared these data between the CERA and DA groups.

Results

No significant differences in hemoglobin level or reticulocyte count were found between the two groups 3 months before dialysis initiation. However, at dialysis initiation, the hemoglobin level (CERA 9.82 ± 1.52 vs. DA 8.79 ± 1.07 g/dL; P = 0.003) and the reticulocyte count (CERA 5.21 ± 2.95 vs. DA 3.15 ± 1.62 × 10⁴/μL; P = 0.004) were significantly higher in the CERA group than in the DA group. Moreover, the extent of changes in the erythropoietin resistance index during the 3 months before dialysis initiation was significantly increased in the DA group compared with the CERA group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that CERA may be more effective than DA in maintaining hemoglobin levels in patients with CKD during 3 months before dialysis initiation.

Predictive Factors of One-Year Mortality in a Cohort of Patients Undergoing Urgent-Start Hemodialysis

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10–15% of adult population worldwide. Incident patients on hemodialysis, mainly those on urgent-start dialysis at the emergency room, have a high mortality risk, which may reflect the absence of nephrology care. A lack of data exists regarding the influence of baseline factors on the mortality of these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of this population and identify risk factors that contribute to their mortality.

Patients and methods

We studied 424 patients who were admitted to our service between 01/2006 and 12/2012 and were followed for 1 year. We analyzed vascular access, risk factors linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mineral and bone disease associated with CKD (CKD-MBD), and clinical events that occurred during the follow-up period. Factors that influenced patient survival were evaluated by Cox regression analysis.

Results

The patient mean age was 50 ± 18 years, and 58.7% of them were male. Hypertension was the main cause of primary CKD (31.8%). Major risk factors were smoking (19.6%), dyslipidemia (48.8%), and CVD (41%). Upon admission, most patients had no vascular access for hemodialysis (89.4%). Biochemical results showed that most patients were anemic with high C-reactive protein levels, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, elevated parathyroid hormone and decreased 25-hydroxy vitamin D. At the end of one year, 60 patients died (14.1%). These patients were significantly older, had a lower percentage of arteriovenous fistula in one year, and low levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D.

Conclusions

The combined evaluation of clinical and biochemical parameters and risk factors revealed that the mortality in urgent-start dialysis is associated with older age and low levels of vitamin D deficiency. A lack of a permanent hemodialysis access after one year was also a risk factor for mortality in this population.

Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Failure: Challenges and Solutions

Increasing numbers of older patients with type 2 diabetes, and their improved survival from cardiovascular events is seeing a massive increase in patients with both diabetes and heart failure. Already, at least a third of all patients with heart failure have diabetes. This close association is partly because all the major risk factors for heart failure also cluster in patients with type 2 diabetes, including obesity, hypertension, advanced age, sleep apnoea, dyslipidaemia, anaemia, chronic kidney disease, and coronary heart disease. However, diabetes may also cause cardiac dysfunction in the absence of overt macrovascular disease, as well as complicate the response to therapy. Current management is focused on targeting modifiable risk factors for heart failure including hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, obesity and anemia. But although these are important risk markers, none of these interventions substantially prevents heart failure or improves its outcomes. Much more needs to be done to focus on this issue, including the inclusion of hospital admission for heart failure as a pre-specified component of the primary composite cardiovascular outcomes and new trials in heart failure management specifically in the context of diabetes.

Anaemia management and mortality risk in newly visiting patients with chronic kidney disease in Japan: The CKD-ROUTE study

AIM

To investigate the association between iron deficiency anaemia and mortality risk and assess the changes in anaemia and iron status after primary management by a nephrologist.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, we stratified 951 non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) G2-G5 patients newly visiting 16 nephrology centres into four groups according to the presence of anaemia with or without iron deficiency. All-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV)-related mortality, and a change in anaemia and iron status after specialized primary care were the endpoints evaluated.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up time of 19 months, the number of all-cause deaths and CV-related deaths were 56 and 26, respectively. Compared with the control group, the groups with isolated anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia had significantly higher all-cause mortalities (isolated anaemia: hazard ratio (HR), 3.37; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.76-6.44; iron deficiency anaemia: HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.21-8.01) and CV-related mortalities (isolated anaemia: HR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.36-9.73; iron deficiency anaemia: HR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.11-13.41). In the isolated anaemia group, erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) prescriptions significantly increased to approximately 70%. However, in patients with both anaemia and iron deficiency, iron prescriptions only increased to 48.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Iron deficiency anaemia and isolated anaemia were associated with all-cause and CV-related mortality. The absence of relative increase in iron prescriptions suggests that iron deficiency should be accurately assessed and iron supplementation should be appropriately used to manage anaemia in non-dialysis patients with CKD.

Association of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate with Hemoglobin Level in Korean Adults: The 2010-2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

PURPOSE

Little is known about anemia in patients with early renal dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the association of hemoglobin level and anemia prevalence with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline using a nation-wide representative sample of the adult Korean population.

METHODS

In total, 17,373 participants (7,296 men; weighted n = 18,330,187; mean age, 44.2±0.3 years; 9,886 women, weighted n = 18,317,454; mean age, 46.9±0.3 years) were included. eGFR was divided into 5 groups: Group 1, ≥105; Group 2, 90-104; 75-89; Group 4, 60-74; and Group 5, <60 mL/min/1.73m2.

RESULTS

The weighted anemia prevalence rates were 2.6% in men and 12.8% in women. In men, the weighted hemoglobin level increased with a decrease in eGFR; this value peaked at an eGFR of 60-89 mL/min/1.73m2 and decreased thereafter at an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73m2 (15.19±0.03, 15.35±0.03, 15.53±0.03, 15.52±0.06, and 14.90±0.12 g/dL from Groups 1 to 5) after adjustment for age, college graduation, cancer history, current smoking, waist circumference, serum cholesterol level, serum triglyceride level, and diastolic blood pressure. In women, the weighted hemoglobin level increased with a decrease in eGFR; this value peaked with an eGFR of 75-89 mL/min/1.73m2 and decreased thereafter (12.90±0.03, 13.08±0.02, 13.20±0.04, 13.14±0.05, and 12.47±0.11 g/dL from Groups 1 to 5) after adjustment for menstruation, pregnancy, estrogen replacement, and the above-mentioned variables. In both sexes, the weighted prevalence of anemia with an eGFR of 60-104 mL/min/1.73m2 was significantly lower than that with an eGFR of ≥105 mL/min/1.73m2 (men, 3.2±0.4%, 1.9±0.3%, 1.8±0.3%, 2.0±0.9%, and 18.1±3.1%; women, 14.0±0.8%, 11.2±0.7%, 10.5±1.0%, 13.2±1.6%, and 32.3±3.2% from Groups 1 to 5).

CONCLUSIONS

We noted a compensatory increase in the hemoglobin level with a minor decline in kidney function (in the range of eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2) prior to a marked decrease in hemoglobin level with severe renal dysfunction.

Cardiorenal Syndrome and the Role of the Bone-Mineral Axis and Anemia

The association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is well established, and there is mounting evidence of interorgan cross talk that may accelerate pathologic processes and the progression of organ dysfunction in both systems. This process, termed cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) by the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative, is considered a major health problem: patients with CKD and CVD are at much higher risk of mortality than patients with either condition alone. To date, the majority of CRS research has focused on neurohormonal mechanisms and hemodynamic alterations. However, mounting evidence suggests that abnormalities in the normal pathophysiology of the bone-mineral axis, iron, and erythropoietin play a role in accelerating CKD and CVD. The goal of this article is to review the role and interrelated effects of the bone-mineral axis and anemia in the pathogenesis of chronic CRS.

Less known pathophysiological mechanisms of anemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently considered a modern global epidemic, and diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Anemia is one of the most significant complications of CKD, and it is mainly attributed to insufficient erythropoietin (EPO) production. However, anemia develops earlier in the course of CKD among patients with DM, and the severity of anemia tends to be more marked in these patients compared to nondiabetic subjects, regardless of the stage of CKD. In this review, we focus on the "less known" complex interacting mechanisms which are involved in the pathophysiology of anemia associated with DN. Although the major cause of anemia in DN is considered to be an inappropriate response of the plasma EPO concentration to anemia, several other possible mechanisms have been suggested. Glomerular hyperfiltration, proteinuria, renal tubular dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis are among the main culprits. On the other hand, systemic effects such as chronic inflammation, autonomic neuropathy and the renin-angiotensin system are also involved. Finally, several medications are considered to aggravate anemia associated with DN. Since anemia is an important predictor of quality of life and is implicated in the increased burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, further research is required to elucidate its pathogenesis in diabetic patients.

Predictors of anemia in a multi-ethnic chronic kidney disease population: a case-control study

Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, risk factors of anemia in CKD patients in Singapore are not well established. Hence, a retrospective, case–control study involving non-dialysis CKD patients was conducted to determine possible predictors of anemia in the local CKD population.

Non-dialysis adult CKD patients, not receiving renal replacement therapy or erythropoiesis-stimulating-agents were included. Parameters collected included demographics e.g. age, sex and race; clinical data e.g. CKD stage and medical/medication histories; and laboratory data e.g. serum electrolytes, urinary and hematologic parameters. Patients were classified as anemic or non-anemic using a threshold hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL. The parameters were evaluated for their predictive value for anemia development using multivariate logistical regression and calculation of odds ratios. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA.

A total of 457 patients (162 anemic and 295 non-anemic) were analysed. Multivariate analysis showed that probability of developing anemia was greater for patients with stage 5 CKD (OR 16.76, p < 0.001), with hematological disorders (OR 18.61, p < 0.001) and with respiratory disorders (OR 4.54, p = 0.004). The probability of developing anemia was lower for patients with higher previous hemoglobin concentration (OR 0.32, p < 0.001) and in those receiving iron supplements (OR 0.44, p = 0.031). Gender and race were not found to be significant predictors of anemia.

Risk of anemia is increased in patients with advanced CKD, haematological disorders, respiratory disorders, and those not taking iron supplements. This study has increased our understanding of the patient subgroups at risk for anemia.

Association between the Hemoglobin Level and Cardiothoracic Ratio in Patients on Incident Dialysis

BACKGROUND/AIM

The present study explores associations between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and patients with cardiac enlargement in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) to help prevent cardiac remodeling during the predialysis phase of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 2,249 patients with ESKD (age, 67 ± 13 years; male, 67%; diabetic kidney disease, 41%) who started hemodialysis (HD) between January 2006 and October 2013 at eight participating hospitals. We examined associations between Hb levels immediately before the first HD session and cardiothoracic ratios (CTRs). Clinical factors associated with the CTR were also assessed.

RESULTS

The mean Hb level was 8.7 ± 1.6 g/dl, and the mean and median CTRs were 55.0 and 54.7%, respectively. The correlation between the Hb level and the CTR was linear and negative (r = -0.129, p < 0.001). The mean CTR and the prevalence of patients with a CTR >50% obviously decreased with increasing Hb levels (both p < 0.001 for trend). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed an approximately 20% reduction in the odds ratio for complicating CTRs >50% per 1 g/dl increase in Hb. Hb levels of <9 g/dl were significantly associated with CTRs >50%. Numerical and categorical Hb remained significantly associated with CTRs >50% after adjusting for confounding variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower Hb levels participate in progressive CTR enlargement in patients with ESKD, and maintaining Hb levels of >9 g/dl might help prevent cardiac remodeling during the predialysis phase of CKD.

A mild decrease of renal function is related to increased hemoglobin level during 5-year follow-up period

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We analyzed chronological changes in hemoglobin according to renal function changes over a 5-year follow-up period.

METHODS

We enrolled 5,266 adults with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at an initial examination at a routine health check-up; a follow-up examination was conducted 5 years later. We categorized the subjects according to GFR ratio (groups 1, 2, and 3, defined as GFRratio ≥ 1.00, 0.75 to 0.99, and < 0.75, respectively).

RESULTS

The mean hemoglobin level in subjects with a GFR of 60 to 74 was higher than in those with a GFR of 75 to 89 or ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at the initial examination (all p < 0.001). Among females and males, the frequencies of increased hemoglobin were 46.8% and 40.6% in the GFRratio group 1, 52.4% and 46.1% in group 2, and 59.6% and 52.5% in group 3 over the 5-year period, respectively (all p < 0.001). With multiple logistic regression, group 3 showed 1.594-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.127 to 2.225) and 1.353-fold (95% CI, 1.000 to 1.830) higher likelihoods of increased hemoglobin over the 5-year follow-up period in females and males, respectively. The estimated difference in hemoglobin level was highest in group 3 in both genders. These findings were more evident in subgroups without metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or GFR less than 90 mL/min/1.73 m(2).

CONCLUSIONS

Among a population with GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), a mild decrease in GFR over a 5-year follow-up period was associated with an increase in hemoglobin levels.

High Prevalence of Anemia in Predialysis Patients in Enugu, Nigeria

Anemia is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contributes to adverse clinical outcomes. African Americans have a 3-fold increased likelihood of anemia compared with whites. Little is known about the prevalence of anemia of CKD among Nigerians. This study investigated the prevalence of anemia in all stages of CKD and the relationship of anemia to the etiology of CKD. Consecutive predialysis patients in all stages of CKD from 2004 to 2008 at first evaluation in a tertiary hospital renal clinic, and sex and age matched control subjects, were studied. Demographic data, and results of biochemical and hematologic indices cause of CKD were extracted from patients' records and analyzed using SPSS version 15. All tests were two-tailed, and P<0.05 taken to be statistically significant. Three hundred and sixty-four patients (mean age 44.8∓14.8 years) and 143 control subjects (mean age 43.52∓12.00 years, P=0.35) were analyzed. Overall 77.5% of CKD patients and 11.9% (P<0.001) of control subjects had anemia defined as hemoglobin less than 12 g/dL. Anemia increased progressively with declining GFR with mean hemoglobin concentration of 12.91∓1.35 g/dL, 12.14∓1.96, 10.57∓2.42, 8.84∓2.19 and 7.33∓1.74 for CKD stages 1 to 5, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), human immunodeficiency/retroviral disease, collagen vascular disease and chronic pyelonephritis predicted anemia in CKD. Anemia was seen at all stages of CKD and progressed from CKD stage 1 to 5. Anemia was worse in women for all stages of CKD.

Impact of epoetin alfa on left ventricular structure, function, and pressure volume relations as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance: the heart failure preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) anemia trial

Anemia, a common comorbidity in older adults with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF), is associated with worse outcomes. The authors quantified the effect of anemia treatment on left ventricular (LV) structure and function as measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. A prospective, randomized single-blind clinical trial (NCT NCT00286182) comparing the safety and efficacy of epoetin alfa vs placebo for 24 weeks in which a subgroup (n=22) had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and after 3 and 6 months to evaluate changes in cardiac structure and function. Pressure volume (PV) indices were derived from MRI measures of ventricular volume coupled with sphygmomanometer-measured pressure and Doppler estimates of filling pressure. The end-systolic and end-diastolic PV relations and the area between them as a function of end-diastolic pressure, the isovolumic PV area (PVAiso), were calculated. Patients (75±10 years, 64% women) with HFPEF (EF=63%±15%) with an average hemoglobin of 10.3±1.1 gm/dL were treated with epoetin alfa using a dose-adjusted algorithm that increased hemoglobin compared with placebo (P<.0001). As compared with baseline, there were no significant changes in end-diastolic (-7±8 mL vs -3±8 mL, P=.81) or end-systolic (-0.4±2 mL vs -0.7±5 mL, P=.96) volumes at 6-month follow-up between epoetin alfa compared with placebo. LV function as measured based on EF (-1.5%±1.6% vs -2.6%±3.3%, P=.91) and pressure volume indices (PVAiso-EDP at 30 mm Hg, -5071±4308 vs -1662±4140, P=.58) did not differ between epoetin alfa and placebo. Administration of epoetin alfa to older adult patients with HFPEF resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin, without evident change in LV structure, function, or pressure volume relationships as measured quantitatively using CMR imaging.

Anemia and functional capacity in elderly Brazilian hospitalized patients

This study evaluated the association between anemia and physical functional capacity in a cross-sectional population-based sample of 709 hospitalized elderly patients aged 60 years and over admitted to the Madre Teresa Hospital, Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Mann-Whitney or "t" test, and chi-square or Fisher exact test were used for quantitative and categorical variables, respectively, and hierarchical binary logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors. The presence of anemia was found in 30% of participants and was significantly associated with decreased functionality according to the two measures which were used - ADL (activities of daily living) and IADL (instrumental activities of daily living). Anemia was also independently associated with older age. The results of this study demonstrate a strong association between the presence of anemia and lower levels of functional capacity. Further investigations are needed to assess the impact of anemia treatment on the functionality and independence of older people.

Animal models of cardiorenal syndrome: a review

The incidence of heart failure and renal failure is increasing and is associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, these conditions do often coexist and this coexistence results in worsened outcome. Various mechanisms have been proposed as an explanation of this interrelation, including changes in hemodynamics, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and/or sympathetic nervous system. However, the exact mechanisms initializing and maintaining this interaction are still unknown. In many experimental studies on cardiac or renal dysfunction, the function of the other organ was either not addressed or the authors failed to show any decline in its function despite histological changes. There are few studies in which the dysfunction of both heart and kidney function has been described. In this review, we discuss animal models of combined cardiorenal dysfunction. We show that translation of the results from animal studies is limited, and there is a need for new and better models of the cardiorenal interaction to improve our understanding of this syndrome. Finally, we propose several requirements that a new animal model should meet to serve as a tool for studies on the cardiorenal syndrome.

Treating anemia in older adults with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction with epoetin alfa: single-blind randomized clinical trial of safety and efficacy

BACKGROUND

Anemia is a common comorbidity in older adults with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction and is associated with worse outcomes. We hypothesized that treating anemia with subcutaneous epoetin alfa would be associated with reverse ventricular remodeling and improved exercise capacity and health status compared with placebo.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective, randomized, single-blind, 24-week study with blinded end point assessment among anemic (average hemoglobin of 10.4±1 g/dL) older adult patients (n=56; 77±11 years; 68% women) with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction (ejection fraction=63±15%; B-type natriuretic peptide=431±366 pg/mL) was conducted. Treatment with epoetin alfa resulted in significant increases in hemoglobin (P<0.0001). Changes in end-diastolic volume (-6±14 versus -4±16 mL; P=0.67) at 6 months did not differ between epoetin alfa and placebo, but declines in stroke volume (-5±8 versus 2±10 mL; P=0.09) without significant changes in left ventricular mass were observed. Changes in 6-minute walk distance (16±11 versus 5±12 m; P=0.52) did not differ. Although quality of life improved by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire in both cohorts, there were no significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of epoetin alfa to older adult patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction compared with placebo did not change left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular mass nor did it improve submaximal exercise capacity or quality of life.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER: NCT00286182.

Prognostic significance of left ventricular hypertrophy observed at dialysis initiation depends on the pre-dialysis use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents

BACKGROUND

Recent experimental studies suggest that erythropoietin promotes beneficial myocardial remodeling during left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH); however, such compensatory capacity may be limited due to insufficient erythropoietin production in chronic kidney disease patients. Thus, this study aimed to explore the effect of pre-dialysis erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) use on the prognostic significance of LVH in dialyzed patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 404 consecutive patients who started dialysis between 2001 and 2009. The interaction of ESA with the association between left ventricular mass index (LVMI) observed at dialysis initiation and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was analyzed at the end of 2010 using the Cox model.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 36.5 months, 164 patients died, 31 of them from heart failure. The frequency of pre-dialysis ESA use was 58.7 % and median LVMI was 160.3 g/m(2). Of interest, patients with the lowest tertile of LVMI had worse survival compared with those with each subsequent tertile. LVMI was inversely associated with all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.991, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.988-0.995, P = 0.000] after extensive adjustment including ejection fraction, whereas the prognostic value of LVMI for cardiovascular mortality was dependent on pre-dialysis ESA use [adjusted HR 1.010, 95 % CI 0.999-1.020, P = 0.065 for pre-dialysis ESA(+) and 0.978, 95 % CI 0.967-0.989, P = 0.000 for pre-dialysis ESA(-), respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that reverse epidemiology may exist between LVH and mortality and that pre-dialysis ESA use may modify the prognostic significance of LVH observed at dialysis initiation for cardiovascular mortality in dialyzed patients.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy in the chronic kidney disease patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Left-ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) represents an important marker of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Numerous noninterventional studies in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) revealed a consistent relationship of LVH with modifiable risk factors attributable to failing renal function, particularly anemia and hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

Given the clear role for anemia in initiating or accelerating LVH, it seems imperative to correct renal anemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). A few nonrandomized studies have described a regression of LVH with correction of anemia, but prospective randomized trials showed no evidence that ESA treatment is able to improve cardiac prognosis in the CKD patient. Current data alert physicians that normalization of hemoglobin in patients with advanced CKD is harmful. Recent studies are now trying to clarify the mechanisms for harm focussing on the influence of comorbidities, ESA doses, and hemoglobin variability. The pathogenesis of hypertension in CKD is multifactorial and only a small percentage of CKD patients have controlled their blood pressure, indicating poor medication adherence, insufficient control of volume overload and undertreatment.

SUMMARY

This review provides an update of ESA treatment, hypertension and LVH in the CKD patient, indicating that pathogenesis of LVH in this population is currently not completely understood. In addition, the impact of pharmacological interventions targeted to prevent or reduce LVH in anemic or hypertensive CKD patients is not well defined. As adoption of the Framingham approach seems not feasible in the CKD patient, evidence from large-scale randomized clinical trials is mandatory to resolve this dilemma.

Anemia normalization in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: results of the NEPHRODIAB2 randomized trial

STATEMENTS OF THE PROBLEM

Correction of anemia in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-4 may slow the decline of kidney function but may increase cardiovascular risk through higher hematocrit. The NEPHRODIAB2 study was designed to assess efficacy and safety of complete hemoglobin (Hb) normalization in these patients.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 89 T2DM patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; abbreviated 175 Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula) of 25 to 60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) and moderate anemia (Hb, 100-129 g/l) to a target Hb value in subnormal range (110-129g/l, group 1, n=43) or normal range (130-149 g/l, group 2, n=46). The primary end point was eGFR decline after 2 years of follow-up. Secondary end points included iron and erythropoietin dosage, quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey scores) and adverse events.

RESULTS

Six months after randomization, the mean Hb levels were <120 g/l in group 1 and >130 g/l in group 2 (P<.05 at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months). Blood pressure, 24-h proteinuria and HbA1c did not differ during follow-up (P>.05). Two-year declines in eGFR were -8.7±12.2 in group 1 and -5.1±7.8 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) in group 2 (P=.29). Mean weekly use of erythropoietin was 7.8±11.6 μg in group 1 and 30.1±33.6 μg in group 2 (P<.0001). There was no significant difference regarding Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey score change or adverse event occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial, normalization of Hb level in T2DM patients with chronic kidney disease was safe but did not significantly slow renal function decline and increased treatment cost due to erythropoietin use.

Positive outcomes of high hemoglobin target in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis: a randomized controlled study

Correcting anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to higher hemoglobin (Hb) levels may be associated with increased risk. No optimal target for Hb has been established. This controlled study examined 321 patients with CKD who were not on dialysis, had a Hb level of <10g/dL, and a serum creatinine of 2.0 to 6.0mg/dL. They were randomized into two target Hb groups: 161 to high Hb (11.0-13.0g/dL) to receive darbepoetin alfa and low Hb to 160 (9.0-11.0g/dL) to receive recombinant erythropoietin. The study lasted 48weeks. Of 154 and 153 patients with adverse events, cardiovascular adverse events developed in 42 and 51 patients in the high and low Hb groups, respectively, with no significant difference in the incidence. All quality of life scores improved in the high Hb group and vitality improved significantly more with high Hb (P=0.025). The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) remained stable in the low Hb group, but there was a significant decrease in LVMI in the high group (P<0.001). There were no safety concerns with targeting a higher Hb level during the 48weeks of this study. Patients with a higher Hb target had comparatively better outcomes with respect to quality of life and LVMI.

Short- and long-term effects of erythropoietin treatment on endothelial progenitor cell levels in patients with cardiorenal syndrome

Objective

Patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) have high cardiovascular morbidity. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) constitute an endogenous vascular repairsystem, protecting against atherosclerosis development. Erythropoietin (EPO) treatment may have beneficial effects by mobilizing EPC from the bonemarrow. Our objective is to determine EPC levels and effects of EPO therapy on EPC levels in CRS patients.

Design

Open-label randomized trial.

Setting

Part of the EPOCARES-trial, conducted in Utrecht (Netherlands).

Patients

Patients with CRS and anaemia and healthy controls were included.

Interventions

Patients were randomized to receive EPO therapy (50 IU/kg/wk) for 52 weeks or no EPO therapy.

Main outcome measures

CD34⁺KDR⁺-EPC, cultured EPC outgrowth and function at baseline, after 18 days and after 52 weeks.

Results

Patients showed lower CD34⁺KDR⁺-cell numbers compared to controls (6(12) vs. 19(19) cells/10⁵ granulocytes; p=0.010), despite increased levels of stromal cell-derived factor-1α; (3.1(0.8) vs 2.6(0.3) ng/ml; p=0.001). EPC outgrowth and function were not different between patients and controls. EPC levels did not change after 18 days with or without EPO treatment. CD34⁺KDR⁺-cells significantly declined after 52 weeks in the non-treated group (p=0.028). Long-term EPO therapy did not significantly affect this reduction in CD34⁺KDR⁺-EPC levels.

Conclusions

CRS patients showed reduced CD34⁺KDR⁺-EPC levels compared to controls, consistent with a reduced vascular regenerative potential and despite upregulated SDF-1α levels. Over a one-year follow-up period a marked 68% further reduction in EPC levels was observed in the patient group without EPO treatment. In spite of promising experimental studies, our longitudinal, randomized study did not show significant influence of either short- or long-term EPO therapy on reduced EPC levels in CRS patients.

CE: Continuing Education Article: MANAGEMENT OF ANAEMIA IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

SUMMARY Anaemia is an almost universal issue that develops in the later stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) primarily due to a lack of erythropoietin (EPO) and the depressed EPO response in bone marrow. This can have a profound effect on the patient's lifestyle and quality of life. Knowledge of both the psychosocial and clinical areas of CKD is imperative for healthcare professionals so that they can be at the forefront of improvements of CKD patient care.

2008 Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy: guidelines for renal anemia in chronic kidney disease

The Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) guideline committee, chaired by Dr Y. Tsubakihara, presents the Japanese guidelines entitled "Guidelines for Renal Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease." These guidelines replace the "2004 JSDT Guidelines for Renal Anemia in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients," and contain new, additional guidelines for peritoneal dialysis (PD), non-dialysis (ND), and pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Chapter 1 presents reference values for diagnosing anemia that are based on the most recent epidemiological data from the general Japanese population. In both men and women, hemoglobin (Hb) levels decrease along with an increase in age and the level for diagnosing anemia has been set at <13.5 g/dL in males and <11.5 g/dL in females. However, the guidelines explicitly state that the target Hb level in erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) therapy is different to the anemia reference level. In addition, in defining renal anemia, the guidelines emphasize that the reduced production of erythropoietin (EPO) that is associated with renal disorders is the primary cause of renal anemia, and that renal anemia refers to a condition in which there is no increased production of EPO and serum EPO levels remain within the reference range for healthy individuals without anemia, irrespective of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In other words, renal anemia is clearly identified as an "endocrine disease." It is believed that defining renal anemia in this way will be extremely beneficial for ND patients exhibiting renal anemia despite having a high GFR. We have also emphasized that renal anemia may be treated not only with ESA therapy but also with appropriate iron supplementation and the improvement of anemia associated with chronic disease, which is associated with inflammation, and inadequate dialysis, another major cause of renal anemia. In Chapter 2, which discusses the target Hb levels in ESA therapy, the guidelines establish different target levels for hemodialysis (HD) patients than for PD and ND patients, for two reasons: (i) In Japanese HD patients, Hb levels following hemodialysis rise considerably above their previous levels because of ultrafiltration-induced hemoconcentration; and (ii) as noted in the 2004 guidelines, although 10 to 11 g/dL was optimal for long-term prognosis if the Hb level prior to the hemodialysis session in an HD patient had been established at the target level, it has been reported that, based on data accumulated on Japanese PD and ND patients, in patients without serious cardiovascular disease, higher levels have a cardiac or renal function protective effect, without any safety issues. Accordingly, the guidelines establish a target Hb level in PD and ND patients of 11 g/dL or more, and recommend 13 g/dL as the criterion for dose reduction/withdrawal. However, with the results of, for example, the CHOIR (Correction of Hemoglobin and Outcomes in Renal Insufficiency) study in mind, the guidelines establish an upper limit of 12 g/dL for patients with serious cardiovascular disease or patients for whom the attending physician determines high Hb levels would not be appropriate. Chapter 3 discusses the criteria for iron supplementation. The guidelines establish reference levels for iron supplementation in Japan that are lower than those established in the Western guidelines. This is because of concerns about long-term toxicity if the results of short-term studies conducted by Western manufacturers, in which an ESA cost-savings effect has been positioned as a primary endpoint, are too readily accepted. In other words, if the serum ferritin is <100 ng/mL and the transferrin saturation rate (TSAT) is <20%, then the criteria for iron supplementation will be met; if only one of these criteria is met, then iron supplementation should be considered unnecessary. Although there is a dearth of supporting evidence for these criteria, there are patients that have been surviving on hemodialysis in Japan for more than 40 years, and since there are approximately 20 000 patients who have been receiving hemodialysis for more than 20 years, which is a situation that is different from that in many other countries. As there are concerns about adverse reactions due to the overuse of iron preparations as well, we therefore adopted the expert opinion that evidence obtained from studies in which an ESA cost-savings effect had been positioned as the primary endpoint should not be accepted unquestioningly. In Chapter 4, which discusses ESA dosing regimens, and Chapter 5, which discusses poor response to ESAs, we gave priority to the usual doses that are listed in the package inserts of the ESAs that can be used in Japan. However, if the maximum dose of darbepoetin alfa that can currently be used in HD and PD patients were to be used, then the majority of poor responders would be rescued. Blood transfusions are discussed in Chapter 6. Blood transfusions are attributed to the difficulty of managing renal anemia not only in HD patients, but also in end-stage ND patients who respond poorly to ESAs. It is believed that the number of patients requiring transfusions could be reduced further if there were novel long-acting ESAs that could be used for ND patients. Chapter 7 discusses adverse reactions to ESA therapy. Of particular concern is the emergence and exacerbation of hypertension associated with rapid hematopoiesis due to ESA therapy. The treatment of renal anemia in pediatric CKD patients is discussed in Chapter 8; it is fundamentally the same as that in adults.

Cellular basis of uraemic cardiomyopathy: a role for erythropoietin?

The use of erythropoietin (EPO) has revolutionized the treatment of anaemia associated with many conditions including chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, little is known of the cellular impact of EPO on the uraemic heart. The discovery that the EPO receptor (EPOR) is also expressed on non-haematopoietic cells including cardiomyocytes highlights a role of EPO beyond haematopoiesis. Animal models of heart failure have shown EPO can potentially reverse cardiac remodelling and improve myocardial function. Damage to the kidney, during uraemia, results in a decreased EPO production, which may render the uraemic heart more susceptible to damage and heart failure. Here we review current data on the cellular actions of EPO in models of left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure and highlight parallels with the uraemic heart.

Timely referral to the nephrologist: essential to optimizing patient outcomes

Annual mortality on renal replacement therapy is about 10% in Western Europe and reaches 20% in the United States. The reasons responsible for this excess mortality include among others advanced age, high prevalence of diabetes and comorbid conditions, susceptibility to infections, and cancer. An additional cause that should be considered is late referral to overall renal care and for renal replacement therapy. It has been demonstrated recently that early referral may provide many advantages for the patient, such as prevention of organ damage secondary to uremia and even delay the onset of end-stage renal disease. These benefits prompted numerous recommendations for timely referral, both for dialysis and for long-term renal follow-up. Despite available guidelines for nephrology referral the current practice is still suboptimal, resulting in delayed initiation of dialysis and clinical outcomes that are not ideal. There is an urgent need in the renal community to change the current practice of referral. Beyond the benefits for patients, society may also expect potential cost effectiveness from early renal care.

[Anemia in chronic kidney disease and its cardiovascular implications]

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Anemia is a common complication of CKD and it is an important independent risk factor for the development and progression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and heart failure. Anemia is also independently and synergistically associated with an enhanced risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in CKD patients. The availability of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA), such as recombinant human erythropoietin, has greatly improved the management of anemia in CKD patients. By increasing hemoglobin levels, ESA therapy has demonstrated to significantly improve quality of life and decrease morbidity and mortality among these patients. Earlier studies suggested that partial correction of anemia in CKD patients with LVH induced a partial regression of LV mass, while mainly uncontrolled and small-sized studies have suggested that anemia treatment with ESA in CKD patients with congestive heart failure improved NYHA class, cardiac function and reduced hospitalization rates. On the other hand, recent randomized controlled trials have reported no benefit of full anemia correction on LVH and no benefit, or even worse outcomes, in CKD patients versus partial anemia correction. Thus, recent anemia guidelines recommend target haemoglobin levels between 11-12 g/dl in CKD patients receiving ESA.