Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent responsiveness and mortality in hemodialysis patients: results from a cohort study from the dialysis registry in Japan

Hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors in treatment of anemia with chronic disease

ABSTRACT

Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is the most frequent clinical issue in patients with chronic disease, ACD is usually secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD), cancer, and chronic infection, which is associated with poor health outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality, and substantial economic costs. Current treatment options for ACD are very limited. The discovery of the hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PHD) pathway made it possible to develop novel therapeutic agents (such as hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, HIF-PHI) to treat ACD by stabilizing HIF and subsequently promoting endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) production and iron absorption and utilization. Thus, HIF-PHIs appear to open a new door for the treatment of ACD patients with a novel mechanism. Here, we comprehensively reviewed the latest advancements in the application of HIF-PHIs in ACD. Specifically, we highlighted the key features of HIF-PHIs on ACD, such as stimulation of endogenous EPO, handling iron metabolism, inflammation-independent, and prolonging lifespan of red blood cells. In conclusion, the success of HIF-PHIs in the treatment of ACD may expand the therapeutic opportunity for other types of anemia beyond renal anemia.

Assessing the Impact of Inflammation on Erythropoietin Resistance in Hemodialysis: The Role of the NLR

Background: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has emerged as a readily available marker of systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. In patients undergoing hemodialysis, inflammation is a known contributor to erythropoietin resistance. However, the relationship between the NLR and the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) has not been extensively characterized. Methods: A total of 317 hemodialysis patients were retrospectively evaluated and stratified into tertiles based on NLR levels. Biochemical, inflammatory, and anthropometric variables were compared across groups. Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess the relationship between the NLR and the ERI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive ability of the NLR for erythropoietin resistance, defined as ERI > 10. Subsequently, linear and logistic regression models were employed to examine the independent association between the NLR and the ERI, adjusting for relevant covariates. Results: Higher NLR tertiles were significantly associated with increased CRP, lower serum iron, and elevated ERI (p = 0.002). Spearman's analysis revealed a modest but significant correlation between the NLR and the ERI (ρ = 0.31, p < 0.0001). ROC analysis identified an NLR threshold of 4.4 for detecting ERI > 10. In multivariable analysis, the NLR was independently associated with the ERI both as a continuous variable (β = 0.848, p = 0.046) and as a binary outcome (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.95-1.24, p = 0.0021), while serum iron and hemoglobin also emerged as significant predictors. Conclusions: In this cohort of hemodialysis patients, a higher NLR was independently associated with increased erythropoietin resistance, suggesting its potential utility as an accessible inflammatory biomarker in anemia management. These findings add to the limited but growing body of evidence supporting the prognostic role of the NLR in dialysis populations and warrant further validation in prospective studies.

Roxadustat for Treating Anemia in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Not Undergoing Dialysis: A Retrospective Study

Objective Roxadustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, increases the hemoglobin (Hb) levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To date, limited clinical studies have focused on the excessive increase in the Hb levels in the early weeks after switching from erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) to roxadustat in adult non-dialysis patients. We conducted a retrospective study to examine whether early overshoot frequently occurs after switching to roxadustat. Methods This 8-week retrospective pilot study examined patients with anemic, non-dialyzed CKD who switched from ESA (darbepoetin or epoetin beta pegol) to roxadustat or continued ESA. The Hb levels >12.5 g/dL after starting our observation was defined as Hb overshoot. Patients: Twenty-three patients who switched to roxadustat (roxadustat group) and 63 who continued ESA (ESA group) were included. Results The baseline median estimated glomerular filtration rate and mean Hb levels were 15.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 10.77 g/dL in roxadustat group and 15.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 10.64 g/dL in ESA group, respectively. Eight patients (34.8%) in the roxadustat group and two patients (3.2%) in the ESA group had Hb overshoot within the 8-week visit [odds ratio: 20.2 (95% confidence interval 3.13-130.0, p<0.01) in the background adjusted model]. Among the patients with Hb overshoot in the roxadustat group, the Hb levels were maintained close to baseline 4 weeks after roxadustat discontinuation. A younger age and higher baseline Hb and Hct levels were risk factors for Hb overshoot. Conclusion Hb overshoot was frequently observed in patients switched to roxadustat. Clinicians should be aware of Hb overshoot and emphasize the importance of early Hb level checks.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent hyporesponsiveness was associated with worse survival of hemodialysis patients independent of the serum ferritin level

INTRODUCTION

Ferritin level and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) responsiveness are each associated with hemodialysis patient survival. We assessed interrelationships between these two vs. survival.

METHODS

Patients in the Japan Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study Phases 4-6 (2009-2018) were included. All-cause mortality associations were assessed with progressive adjustment to evaluate covariate influence.

RESULTS

During follow-up (median 2.6 years), 773 of 5154 patients died. After covariate adjustment, the mortality hazard ratio (HR) was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.81, 1.20) for low serum ferritin and 1.12 (CI: 0.89, 1.41) for high serum ferritin. By contrast, mortality risk with elevated ESA resistance index (ERI) persisted after covariate adjustment (HR 1.44, CI [1.17-1.78]). The serum ferritin and ERI interaction was not significant; p > 0.96 across all models.

CONCLUSIONS

Japanese hemodialysis patients with high ERI experienced worse survival independent of serum ferritin levels, highlighting the importance of identifying and mitigating ESA hyporesponsiveness among dialysis patients.

The influencing factors of the erythropoietin resistance index and its association with all-cause mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease with major option treatment of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). This study aimed to investigate the influencing factors of erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) and its association with mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Patients enrolled from China Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) 5 were included. ERI was calculated as follows: ESA (IU/week)/weight (kg, post-dialysis)/hemoglobin level (g/dL). The Cox regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors on survival outcomes. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the related risk factors, and subgroup analyses were performed. A total of 1270 MHD subjects (687 males and 583 females) were included, with an average age of 60 (49.0, 71.0) years. All subjects were divided into two groups by the median ERI of 14.03. Multivariate logistic regression showed that dialysis vintage (OR 0.957, 95% CI: 0.929-0.986), white blood cells (OR 0.900, 95% CI: 0.844-0.960), high flux dialyzer use (OR 0.866, 95% CI: 0.755-0.993), body mass index (OR 0.860, 95% CI: 0.828-0.892), males (OR 0.708, 95% CI: 0.625-0.801), and albumin (OR 0.512, 95% CI: 0.389-0.673) had a negative association with high ERI baseline (all p < 0.05). There were 176 (13.9%) deaths in total including 89 cardiac/vascular deaths during follow-up. Cox regression analysis showed that ERI was positively associated with all-cause mortality, especially in some subgroups. ERI was associated with increased all-cause mortality in MHD patients, indicating the possibility of death prediction by ERI. Patients with high ERI warrant more attention.

Effects of Individualized Anemia Therapy on Hemoglobin Stability: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial in Patients on Hemodialysis

Key Points

We conducted a randomized controlled pilot trial in patients on hemodialysis using a physiology-based individualized anemia therapy assistance software. Patients in the group receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose recommendations from the novel software showed improvement in hemoglobin stability and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent utilization.

Background

Anemia is common among patients on hemodialysis. Maintaining stable hemoglobin levels within predefined target levels can be challenging, particularly in patients with frequent hemoglobin fluctuations both above and below the desired targets. We conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing our anemia therapy assistance software against a standard population-based anemia treatment protocol. We hypothesized that personalized dosing of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) improves hemoglobin target attainment.

Methods

Ninety-six patients undergoing hemodialysis and receiving methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta were randomized 1:1 to the intervention group (personalized ESA dose recommendations computed by the software) or the standard-of-care group for 26 weeks. The therapy assistance software combined a physiology-based mathematical model and a model predictive controller designed to stabilize hemoglobin levels within a tight target range (10–11 g/dl). The primary outcome measure was the percentage of hemoglobin measurements within the target. Secondary outcome measures included measures of hemoglobin variability and ESA utilization.

Results

The intervention group showed an improved median percentage of hemoglobin measurements within target at 47% (interquartile range, 39–58), with a 10% point median difference between the two groups (95% confidence interval, 3 to 16; P = 0.008). The odds ratio of being within the hemoglobin target in the standard-of-care group compared with the group receiving the personalized ESA recommendations was 0.68 (95% confidence interval, 0.51 to 0.92). The variability of hemoglobin levels decreased in the intervention group, with the percentage of patients experiencing fluctuating hemoglobin levels being 45% versus 82% in the standard-of-care group. ESA usage was reduced by approximately 25% in the intervention group.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated an improved hemoglobin target attainment and variability by using personalized ESA recommendations using the physiology-based anemia therapy assistance software.

Clinical Trial registration number:

NCT04360902 .

Blood Hemoglobin Concentrations and the Incidence of Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: 10-Year Outcomes of the Q-Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease is a potentially lethal cardiovascular complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Anemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease among the hemodialysis population. However, whether blood hemoglobin concentration is associated with the risk of peripheral arterial disease progression in this population remains undetermined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is an extension of a 4-year multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study to 10 years. A total of 3504 Japanese patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were recruited between 2006 and 2007. The primary exposure was blood hemoglobin concentration at baseline. The main outcome was the first-ever incidence of major adverse limb events (MALE), composed of endovascular treatment, bypass surgery, and amputation. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, Fine-Gray subdistribution hazards model, restricted cubic spline analysis, and restricted mean survival time analysis were used to determine the association of blood hemoglobin concentration with the incidence of MALE. During a median follow-up of 8.0 years, 257 patients experienced MALE. A Cox proportional hazards model showed that the risk of MALE in patients with blood hemoglobin concentrations <10.0 g/dL was significantly higher than in patients with concentrations of 11.0 to 11.9 g/dL, even after adjusting for confounding factors. In contrast, elevated hemoglobin concentration (≥12.0 g/dL) was not significantly associated with increased risk of MALE. Similar associations were observed when the Fine-Gray subdistribution regression model was used by setting all-cause mortality as the competing risk.

CONCLUSIONS

A low blood hemoglobin concentration is an independent risk factor for peripheral arterial disease progression in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Management of anaemia and prognosis of patients undergoing maintenance peritoneal dialysis: A nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Clinical data supporting the target haemoglobin range in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) are scarce. This study investigated the association between haemoglobin levels and all-cause mortality in Japanese patients undergoing PD using data from a nationwide dialysis registry.

METHODS

A total of 4875 patients aged ≥18 years who were undergoing PD at the end of 2012 were analysed. Patients receiving combination therapy with haemodialysis or missing haemoglobin data were excluded. Haemoglobin values were categorised into six groups (<9.0, 9.0-9.9, 10.0-10.9, 11.0-11.9, 12.0-12.9 and ≥13.0 g/dL) and their association with mortality evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients' mean age was 63 years, and 62% were men. The mean haemoglobin level was 10.7 g/dL, and 14% were anuric. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents were used in 89%. During a median follow-up of 3.5 years, 1586 patients died. Haemoglobin levels <9.0 and ≥13.0 g/dL were significantly associated with mortality, as compared with levels of 10.0-10.9 g/dL (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.25 [1.06-1.48] and 1.45 [1.13-1.88], respectively). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a U-shaped association between haemoglobin levels and mortality. A haemoglobin level ≥12 g/dL was associated with mortality in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (p interaction = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

We provide important insights into the target haemoglobin in patients undergoing PD. Our findings suggest that setting a lower upper limit for haemoglobin levels may be beneficial for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.

Iron Indices Mediate but Not Modify Association of Parathyroid Hormone with Erythropoietin Resistance in Hemodialysis Patients

INTRODUCTION

Disordered iron balance and abnormal parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations, both prevalent in hemodialysis patients, are risk factors of erythropoietin (EPO) resistance. Few studies have evaluated the correlation between iron indices and PTH and the potential role of iron markers on the association of PTH with EPO resistance in hemodialysis population.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study of 71 maintenance hemodialysis patients, iron indices including hepcidin, ferritin, reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr), and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were examined. EPO responsiveness was measured as EPO resistance index (ERI). Lowess regression curves were performed to explore the correlations of iron indices, PTH, and ERI. The association between PTH and ERI was modeled using linear regressions. Potential role of iron indices on this association was examined using stratified analyses and mediation analyses.

RESULTS

The average ERI value was 10.3 ± 5.3 IU w-1 kg-1 (g/dL) -1. ERI was correlated to PTH, hepcidin, CHr, and TSAT (all p < 0.05). Hepcidin and PTH were closely correlated with each other (r = 0.28, p = 0.020). Analysis by PTH categories yielded a total association effect of 2.53 (95% CI: 0.27-4.85, p = 0.027) for high PTH subgroup versus the reference low subgroup. No clinically significant interaction between iron indexes and PTH was identified. Hepcidin appeared to mediate about one-third of the total association between PTH and ERI in hemodialysis population (33.6%, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

Iron indices and PTH levels were related to ERI values. Hepcidin appeared to be closely correlated to PTH and partly mediate the association between PTH and ERI in hemodialysis population.

Cut-off values of haemoglobin and clinical outcomes in incident peritoneal dialysis: the PDTAP study

BACKGROUND

To explore the cut-off values of haemoglobin (Hb) on adverse clinical outcomes in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients based on a national-level database.

METHODS

The observational cohort study was from the Peritoneal Dialysis Telemedicine-assisted Platform (PDTAP) dataset. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and modified MACE (MACE+). The secondary outcomes were the occurrences of hospitalization, first-episode peritonitis and permanent transfer to haemodialysis (HD).

RESULTS

A total of 2591 PD patients were enrolled between June 2016 and April 2019 and followed up until December 2020. Baseline and time-averaged Hb <100 g/l were associated with all-cause mortality, MACE, MACE+ and hospitalizations. After multivariable adjustments, only time-averaged Hb <100 g/l significantly predicted a higher risk for all-cause mortality {hazard ratio [HR] 1.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-281], P = .006}, MACE [HR 1.99 (95% CI 1.16-3.40), P = .012] and MACE+ [HR 1.77 (95% CI 1.15-2.73), P = .010] in the total cohort. No associations between Hb and hospitalizations, transfer to HD and first-episode peritonitis were observed. Among patients with Hb ≥100 g/l at baseline, younger age, female, use of iron supplementation, lower values of serum albumin and renal Kt/V independently predicted the incidence of Hb <100 g/l during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study provided real-world evidence on the cut-off value of Hb for predicting poorer outcomes through a nation-level prospective PD cohort.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and cardiovascular mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies and 372,156 hemodialysis patients

Introduction

Prior studies on the association between erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients have yielded conflicting findings. We aimed to clarify this relationship through a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence.

Methods

We comprehensively searched major databases for observational and interventional studies on ESA use and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients published from 1980 to September 2023. Pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects models. Sources of heterogeneity were explored through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. The study data were analyzed using Stata 15 software.

Findings

Upon conducting the initial search, we extracted 792 articles and, after screening and considering the research criteria, 17 studies with 372,156 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, ESA use was associated with a 27 % increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.27, 95 % CI: 1.15-1.40, p < 0.001). This risk varied by geographical location, with RRs of 1.27 (95 % CI: 1.14-1.41; p-value≤0.001) for America, 1.33 (95 % CI: 1.12-1.58; p-value = 0.001) for Asia, and 1.23 (95 % CI: 1.02-1.49; p-value = 0.028) for Europe. Importantly, a gender disparity was revealed, with studies involving a higher proportion of males showing greater risks (RR 1.51, 95 % CI: 1.25-1.83, p < 0.001) than female-predominant studies (RR 1.08, 95 % CI: 0.86-1.36, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicates ESA use is associated with heightened cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients, especially in males. These findings have implications for optimizing dosing strategies while balancing efficacy and safety. Further research is warranted, particularly randomized controlled trials, to establish definitive ESA dosing guidelines.

Investigating the relationship between erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and mortality in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In recent years, various studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and mortality in hemodialysis patients, who showed contradictory results. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between ESAs and mortality in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

The current study is a systematic review and meta-analysis based on observational and interventional studies published in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases between 1980 and the end of 2022. Jadad scale checklist and Newcastle Ottawa scale were used to evaluate the quality of articles. The study data were analyzed using Stata 15 software.

RESULTS

In the initial search, 3933 articles were extracted, and by screening and considering the research criteria, 68 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. According to the meta-analysis results, the risk ratio (RR) of overall mortality in hemodialysis patients receiving ESAs was equal to 1.19 (95% CI: 1.16-1.23, P ≤ 0.001). The RR of mortality in patients aged 60 years and under was equal to 1.33 (1.15-1.55, P ≤ 0.001), in the age group over 60 years was equal to 1.13 (1.10-1.16, P ≤ 0.001), in randomized clinical trial studies was equal to 1.06 (0.80-1.40, P = 0.701), in cohort studies was equal to 1.20 (1.16-1.25, P ≤ 0.001), in American countries was equal to 1.19 (1.10-1.29, P ≤ 0.001), in Asian countries was equal to 1.15 (1.10-1.19, P ≤ 0.001), and in European countries was equal to 1.18 (1.05-1.34, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study show that receiving ESAs is associated with a 19% increase in the risk of overall mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Roxadustat treatment for erythropoiesis-stimulating agent-hyporesponsive anemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVE

Hyporesponsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is a prevalent problem affecting hemodialysis (HD) patients. Roxadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that stimulates erythropoiesis and regulates iron metabolism. We explored the ability of roxadustat to increase the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in ESA-hyporesponsive patients undergoing HD and assessed its effect on iron metabolism and inflammation.

METHODS

This prospective study included 30 patients with ESA-hyporesponsive anemia who had been undergoing stable dialysis. All patients received roxadustat three times per week for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the mean change in Hb from baseline to the average level over weeks 20 to 24. Iron metabolism markers, C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, and safety were also assessed.

RESULTS

At week 24, roxadustat treatment resulted in a 2.5 ± 1.3 g/dL increase in the Hb level. In total, 28 of 30 patients (93.3%) had an Hb level increase of more than 1.0 g/dL from baseline. Seventeen patients (56.7%) met the endpoint, with a mean Hb level of at least 10.0 g/dL. Iron metabolism and IL-6 levels were also improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral roxadustat is effective for ESA-hyporesponsive anemia in maintenance HD patients and may also improve iron metabolism and IL-6 levels.

The Switch from Ferric Gluconate to Ferric Carboxymaltose in Hemodialysis Patients Acts on Iron Metabolism, Erythropoietin, and Costs: A Retrospective Analysis

Background and Objectives: Iron deficiency and anemia characterize patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD). Available intravenous iron agents, such as ferric gluconate (FG) and ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), vary in dosing regimens and safety profiles. The aim of the present study was to analyze the modification of the iron status, the correction of anemia, and the economic implications after the shift from FG to FCM therapy in chronic HD patients. We evaluated, during the study, the variations in iron metabolism, assessing ferritin and transferrin saturation, erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) doses and the number of administrations, the effects on anemic status, and consequent costs. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed with a follow-up period of 24 months, enrolling forty-two HD patients. The enrolment phase started in January 2015, when patients were treated with iv FG, and continued until December 2015, when FG was discontinued, and, after a wash-out period, the same patients were treated with FCM. Results: The iron switch reduced the administered dose of ESA by 1610.500 UI (31% of reduction; p < 0.001) during the entire study period and reduced the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) (10.1 ± 0.4 vs. 14.8 ± 0.5; p < 0.0001). The FCM group had the highest percentage of patients who did not require ESA treatment during the study period. The FCM patients were characterized by higher levels of iron (p = 0.04), ferritin (p < 0.001), and TSAT levels (p < 0.001) compared to the FG patients. The annual cost during FG infusion was estimated at EUR 105,390.2, while one year of treatment with FCM had a total cost of EUR 84,180.7 (a difference of EUR 21,209.51 (20%), saving EUR 42.1 per patient/month (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: FCM was a more effective treatment option than FG, reducing ESA dose requirements, increasing Hb levels, and improving iron status. The reduced ESA doses and the decreased number of patients needing ESA were the main factors for reducing overall costs.

Not baseline but time-dependent erythropoiesis-stimulating agent responsiveness predicts cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients receiving epoetin beta pegol: A multicenter prospective PARAMOUNT-HD Study

BACKGROUND

Responsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) has been reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, the association between hyporesponsiveness to the long-acting ESA, epoetin beta pegol (CERA), and CVD remains unknown.

METHODS

This multicenter prospective study included 4034 patients undergoing maintenance HD. After shifting from prior ESA to CERA, we studied the association between erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) at six months and outcomes, including cardiac events, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and all-cause mortality, using Cox proportional hazards models (Landmark analyses) and marginal structural models to adjust for time-dependent confounding factors, including iron-containing medications and hemodiafiltration (HDF).

RESULTS

The median dialysis vintage and the observational period were 5.0 years and 22.1 months, respectively. The landmark analyses revealed that the highest tertile of baseline ERI (T3) was associated with a significantly higher all-cause mortality than the lowest tertile (T1) (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03-2.13). Furthermore, marginal structural models revealed that time-dependent ERI T3 was significantly associated with increased cardiac events (HR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.14-2.23), MACE (HR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.19-2.15), all-cause mortality (HR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.40-2.77), and heart failure (HF) (HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.23-3.40) compared to T1. A linear mixed effects model showed that iron-containing medications and HDF are negatively associated with time-dependent ERI.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline ERI at six months predicted only all-cause mortality; however, time-dependent ERI was a predictor of cardiac events, all-cause mortality, MACE, and HF. The widespread use of iron-containing medications and HDF would ameliorate ESA hyporesponsiveness.

Scaling Pharmacodynamics from Rats to Humans to Support Erythropoietin and Romiplostim Combination Therapy to Treat Erythropoietin-Resistant Anemia

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is one of the most effective drugs for the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, EPO-resistance is an important contributor to the increased risk of adverse effects. We previously showed that EPO treatment could induce precursor cell depletion, resulting in EPO-resistance. We further found that the combination of EPO with romiplostim, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist that can stimulate the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells, can treat EPO-resistance. In this study, we performed interspecies pharmacodynamic (PD) scaling of this combination therapy for human dose prediction. The pharmacokinetic parameters of both rHuEPO and romiplostim in humans were obtained from previous studies. The PD parameters obtained in rats were scaled to humans using allometric equations. The relationship between PD parameters of the megakaryocyte lineage from rats, monkeys, and humans was in agreement with those from the literature on allometric scaling. The PD response was translated to humans based on allometric scaling and agreed with the observed data. These parameters were used to simulate hemoglobin and platelet response in humans. RHuEPO 50 IU/kg thrice weekly and romiplostim 1 μg/kg once every 4 weeks from the second week is the recommended combination dosing regimen according to the model prediction. Our work successfully scaled the PD of rHuEPO and romiplostim monotherapy from rats to humans. The predicted dosing regimen of each drug in the combination therapy is less intensive than the approved starting dose of each drug, which supports additional evaluations of the combination therapy in humans.

Cardiovascular events by different target hemoglobin levels in ESA-hyporesponsive hemodialysis patients: a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled study

Background

The incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events is high in hemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with hyporesponsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). However, there are no recommended target hemoglobin ranges for ESA-hyporesponsive patients.

Methods

We randomly assigned 304 ESA-treated HD patients with ESA hyporesponsiveness to a proactive treatment group (target hemoglobin level 11 g/dL) or maintenance treatment group (target hemoglobin level 9–10 g/dL), both of which received epoetin beta pegol. The primary outcome was time to the first CV event. CV events included cardiac death, heart failure, and acute coronary syndrome requiring hospitalization. The patients were followed for 24 months.

Results

The proactive and maintenance treatment groups had mean baseline hemoglobin levels of 9.34 and 9.32 g/dL, respectively. Mean hemoglobin levels during the observation period were 10.58 and 10.26 g/dL (P < 0.001), and mean durations of hemoglobin level > 10.5 g/dL were 11.5 and 8.6 months (P < 0.001), respectively. Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated a significantly lower risk of CV events in the proactive group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19–0.96). This lower risk was driven by lower incidence of hospitalization-required congestive heart failure. A longer duration of hemoglobin level > 10.5 g/dL was associated with a lower risk of CV events (HR, 0.92/month; 95% CI, 0.87–0.98).

Conclusions

Targeting hemoglobin levels of 11 g/dL with epoetin beta pegol reduces CV risk in Japanese HD patients with ESA hyporesponsiveness.

Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) database (UMIN000010138), registered on March 1, 2013.

Association between Anti-Erythropoietin Receptor Antibodies and Cardiac Function in Patients on Hemodialysis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Cardiac dysfunction is an important prognostic predictor of cardiovascular mortality in patients on hemodialysis (HD). Erythropoietin (EPO) has been reported to improve cardiac function by binding to the EPO receptor (EPOR) on cardiomyocytes. This study investigated whether anti-EPOR antibodies were associated with left ventricular cardiac function in patients undergoing HD. This multicenter, cross-sectional observational study included 377 patients (median age, 70 years; 267 (70.8%) males) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing stable maintenance HD. Serum levels of anti-EPOR antibodies were measured, and echocardiography was used to assess the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Anti-EPOR antibodies were found in 17 patients (4.5%). LVMI was greater (median of 135 g/m2 vs. 115 g/m2, p = 0.042), and the prevalence of LVEF < 50% was higher (35.3% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.032) in patients with anti-EPOR antibodies than in those without. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression analysis (after adjusting for known risk factors of heart failure) revealed that anti-EPOR antibodies were independently associated with LVMI (coefficient 16.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0−35.0%, p = 0.043) and LVEF <50% (odds ratio 3.20; 95% CI 1.05−9.73, p = 0.041). Thus, anti-EPOR antibody positivity was associated with left ventricular dysfunction in patients undergoing HD.

Prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor desidustat improves anemia in erythropoietin hyporesponsive state

Many anemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are refractory to erythropoietin (EPO) effects due to inflammation, deranged iron utilization, and generation of EPO antibodies. This work assessed the effect of desidustat, an inhibitor of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase (PHD), on EPO-refractory renal anemia. Sprague Dawley rats were made anemic by cisplatin (5 ​mg/kg, IP, single dose) and turpentine oil (5 ​mL/kg, SC, once a week). These rats were given recombinant human EPO (rhEPO, 1 ​μg/kg) and desidustat (15 or 30 ​mg/kg) for eight weeks. Separately, rhEPO (1-5 ​μg/kg) was given to anemic rats to sustain the normal hemoglobin levels and desidustat (15 ​mg/kg) for eight weeks. In another experiment, the anemic rats were treated rhEPO (5 ​μg/kg) for two weeks and then desidustat (15 ​mg/kg) for the next two weeks. Dosing of rhEPO was thrice a week, and for desidustat, it was on alternate days. Desidustat inhibited EPO-resistance caused by rhEPO treatment, decreased hepcidin, IL-6, IL-1β, and increased iron and liver ferroportin. Desidustat reduced EPO requirement and anti-EPO antibodies. Desidustat also maintained normal hemoglobin levels after cessation of rhEPO treatment. Thus, novel prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor desidustat can treat EPO resistance via improved iron utilization and decreased inflammation.

Relationships among the Dosage of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents, Erythropoietin Resistance Index, and Mortality in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) constitute an important treatment option for anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We investigated the relationships among the dosage of ESA, erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) scores, and mortality in Chinese MHD patients.

METHODS

This multicenter observational retrospective study included MHD patients from 16 blood purification centers (n = 824) who underwent HD in 2011-2015 and were followed up until December 31, 2016. We collected demographic variables, HD parameters, laboratory values, and ESA dosages. Patients were grouped into quartiles according to ESA dosage to study the effect of ESA dosage on all-cause mortality. The ERI was calculated as follows: ESA (IU/week)/weight (kg)/hemoglobin levels (g/dL). We also compared outcomes among the patients stratified into quartiles according to ERI scores. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to measure the relationships between the ESA dosage, ERI scores, and all-cause mortality. Using propensity score matching, we compared mortality between groups according to ERI scores, classified as either > or ≤12.80.

RESULTS

In total, 824 patients were enrolled in the study; 200 (24.3%) all-cause deaths occurred within the observation period. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that patients administered high dosages of ESAs had significantly worse survival than those administered low dosages of ESAs. A multivariate Cox regression identified that high dosages of ESAs could significantly predict mortality (ESA dosage >10,000.0 IU/week, HR = 1.59, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (1.04, 2.42), and p = 0.031). Our analysis also indicated a significant increase in the risk of mortality in patients with high ERI scores. Propensity score matching-analyses confirmed that ERI > 12.80 could significantly predict mortality (HR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.11, 2.18], and p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that ESA dosages >10,000.0 IU/week in the first 3 months constitute an independent predictor of all-cause mortality among Chinese MHD patients. A higher degree of resistance to ESA was related to a higher risk of all-cause mortality.

Intravenous Iron Replacement Therapy Improves Cardiovascular Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND/AIM

More than half of deaths among hemodialysis patients are due to cardiovascular disease. This study examined whether intravenous administration of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has an impact on cardiovascular events in iron-deficient hemodialysis patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study concerning patients undergoing hemodialysis in our center from September 2016 to December 2019. We identified those who began FCM therapy (FCM group) during this period and those who did not (control group). We analyzed clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory parameters at the beginning (t0) and after one year (t1), to detect differences between the two groups.

RESULTS

We identified 53 patients for the FCM group and 19 for the control group. Median follow-up was 1 year±3 months for both groups. In the FCM group, we observed a reduction in the doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) (p<0.001) and a significative difference in cardiovascular events (p<0.01), but no differences in echocardiographic parameters.

CONCLUSION

Patients who received FCM reached satisfactory values of transferrin saturation and ferritin, presented fewer coronary artery events and cardiovascular events, and could reduce doses of ESA.

Association between Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Prescription and Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Hyporesponsiveness in Hemodialysis Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) has been hypothesized to improve responsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). We aimed to describe the trend in DPP-4 inhibitor prescription patterns and assess the association between DPP-4 inhibitor prescription and ESA hyporesponsiveness (eHypo) in Japanese hemodialysis (HD) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Japan Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study phase 4-6 (2009-2017) on patients with DM who underwent HD thrice per week for at least 4 months. The primary exposure of interest was having a DPP-4 inhibitor prescription. The primary analysis outcomes were a binary indicator of eHypo (mean hemoglobin <10 and mean ESA dose >6,000 units/week over 4 months) and the natural log-transformed ESA resistance index (ERI). We used conditional logistic regression to compare within-patient changes in eHypo before and after initial DPP-4 inhibitor prescription. We used linear generalized estimating equation models to compare continuous ERI outcomes while accounting for within-patient repeated measurements with an exchangeable correlation structure.

RESULTS

There was a monotonic increase in DPP-4 inhibitor prescription according to study year up to 20% in 2017. Moreover, 12.8% of patients with a DPP-4 inhibitor prescription were ESA hyporesponsive before the initial DPP-4 inhibitor prescription. After DPP-4 inhibitor prescription, the odds of eHypo and mean log-ERI remained unchanged in the whole cohort of our study. The interaction analysis of DPP-4 inhibitor and sideropenia showed that DPP-4 inhibitors attenuated eHypo in the patients without iron deficiency.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate a recent increase in DPP-4 inhibitor prescription among Japanese HD patients with DM. DPP-4 inhibitors could improve ERI in patients undergoing HD without iron deficiency.

Variability in Hemoglobin Levels and the Factors Associated with Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients: A 78-Month Follow-Up Study

Some studies have described that when the hemoglobin levels of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients change, especially in those taking erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA), they are associated with unfavorable outcomes such as increased morbidity and mortality, mainly due to cardiovascular events. This prospective cohort study included patients with end-stage renal disease currently undergoing hemodialysis. The initial 6-month clinical evaluation provided data of the variability in hemoglobin, associated blood parameters, and the use of erythropoietin. Subsequently, the patients were followed up for 78 months to evaluate mortality-associated factors. In total, 133 patients completed the 6-month follow-up with a mean age of 47.1 (±13.2) years. The majority were women (51.9%). Six-month hemoglobin levels were as follows: always low (18.0%), intermediate/target (1.5%), always high (0.8%), low-amplitude fluctuation/Hb low (n = 37; 27.8%), low-amplitude fluctuation/Hb high (13.53%), and high-amplitude fluctuation (38.6%), among end-stage renal disease patients. At the end of 78 months, 50 (37.6%) patients died; 70% of deaths were attributed to cardiovascular etiologies. A high variability was observed in hemoglobin levels, which was not associated with mortality. Among all the variables evaluated, age, erythropoietin dose, and transferrin saturation were associated with a higher mortality. Thus, this study suggests that greater attention to erythropoietin doses and transferrin saturation levels may improve the survival of dialysis patients.

The association of erythropoietin-stimulating agents and increased risk for AV-fistula dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) need a patent vascular access for optimal treatment. The recommended first choice is a native arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Complications of AVF are frequent and include thrombosis, stenosis and infections leading to worsening of dialysis efficacy. Some known risk factors are age, gender and the presence of diabetes mellitus. The aim was to investigate if further risk variables are associated with dysfunctional AVF.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included 153 chronic HD patients (Cases) referred to a total of 473 radiological investigations due to clinically suspected complications of their native AVF. Another group of chronic HD patients (n = 52) who had a native AVF but were without history of previous complications for at least 2 years were controls. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, logistic regression, parametric and non-parametric methods such as Student's T-test and Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

Among Cases, at least one significant stenosis (> 50% of the lumen) was detected in 348 occasions. Subsequent PTA was performed in 248 (71%). Median erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) weekly doses were higher in Cases than in Controls (8000 vs 5000 IU, p < 0.001). Cases received higher doses of intravenous iron/week than the Controls before the investigation (median 50 mg vs 25 mg, p = 0.004) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH, p = 0.028). Compared to Controls, Cases had a lower level of parathyroid hormone (median 25 vs 20 ρmol/L, p = 0.009). In patients with diabetes mellitus, HbA1c was higher among Cases than Controls (50 vs 38 mmol/mol, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant associations between Cases and female gender, prescription of doxazocin, and doses of ESA and LMWH. There was no difference between the groups regarding hemoglobin, CRP or ferritin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the present study indicated that the factors associated with AVF problems were high doses of ESA, iron administration, and tendency of thromboembolism (indicated by high LMWH doses); the use of doxazocin prescription, however, requires further investigation.

Renal prognoses by different target hemoglobin levels achieved by epoetin beta pegol dosing to chronic kidney disease patients with hyporesponsive anemia to erythropoiesis-stimulating agent: a multicenter open-label randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

There is no evidence regarding appropriate target hemoglobin levels in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)-hyporesponsiveness. Therefore, we conducted a randomized controlled study in non-dialysis dependent CKD (NDD-CKD) patients with ESA-hyporesponsiveness, comparing results of intensive versus conservative treatment to maintain hemoglobin levels.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel-group study conducted at 89 institutions. Among NDD-CKD patients, those with ESA-hyporesponsive renal anemia were randomly assigned to an intensive treatment group, to which epoetin beta pegol was administered with target hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL or higher, or conservative treatment group, in which the hemoglobin levels at enrollment (within ± 1 g/dL) were maintained. The primary endpoint was the time to the first kidney composite event defined as (1) transition to renal replacement therapy (dialysis or renal transplantation); (2) reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to less than 6.0 mL/min/1.73 m²; or (3) reduction of eGFR by 30% or more. Secondary endpoints were kidney function (change rate in eGFR), cardiovascular (CV) events, and safety.

RESULTS

Between August 2012 and December 2015, 385 patients were registered, and 362 patients who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled. There was no significant difference in kidney survival or in CV events between the two groups. However, the incidences of the 3 types of kidney composite events tended to differ.

CONCLUSIONS

In NDD-CKD patients with ESA-hyporesponsive renal anemia, the aggressive administration of ESA did not clearly extend kidney survival or result in a significant difference in the incidence of CV events.

High Erythropoiesis Resistance Index Is a Significant Predictor of Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Chinese Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Background

Renal anemia is a common complication of hemodialysis patients. Erythropoietin (EPO) hyporesponsiveness has been recognized as an important factor to poor efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin in the treatment of renal anemia. More importantly, increased erythropoiesis resistance index (ERI) may be associated with inflammation and increased mortality.

Objective

The objective of this research was to investigate correlated factors of EPO responsiveness and to clarify the relationships between EPO hyporesponsiveness and cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality among maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled 276 maintenance hemodialysis patients for a 55-month follow-up to investigate the factors related to ERI and its relationship to all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

ERI was positively correlated with predialysis serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.234, p < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.134, p = 0.028), and ferritin (r = 0.155, p = 0.010) and negatively correlated with albumin (r = −0.206, p < 0.001) and creatinine (r = −0.232, p < 0.001). As multiple linear regression showed, predialysis serum albumin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, ferritin, and creatinine were independent correlated factors of ERI (p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the cumulative incidences of both cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality were significantly higher in patients with ERI > 11.04 IU/kg/w/g/dL (both p < 0.01). The high ERI group was significantly associated with higher risk for all-cause mortality (OR 1.781, 95% CI 1.091 to 2.910, p = 0.021) and cardiovascular mortality (OR 1.972, 95% CI 1.139 to 3.417, p = 0.015) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

Predialysis serum albumin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, ferritin, and creatinine were independent correlated factors of EPO responsiveness among maintenance hemodialysis patients. Patients with higher ERI values had a higher all-cause mortality rate and cardiovascular mortality rate.

Roxadustat for treatment of erythropoietin-hyporesponsive anemia in a hemodialysis patient: A case report

BACKGROUND

Hyporesponsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is a prevalent problem in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients who undergo dialysis. A significant proportion of patients do not respond to iron supplementation and conventional ESAs. We report a case of severe ESA hyporesponsiveness-related anemia that was successfully treated with oral roxadustat.

CASE SUMMARY

A 59-year-old Chinese woman had high blood glucose for 25 years, maintenance hemodialysis for 7 years, and recurrent dizziness and fatigue for more than 2 years. Laboratory tests showed severe anemia (hemoglobin level of 54 g/L), though bone marrow biopsy, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and hemolysis tests were within normal ranges. We initially administered first-line therapies and other adjuvant treatments, such as blood transfusions, ESAs, and adequate dialysis, but the patient did not respond as anticipated. Her erythropoietin-resistant anemia was probably not only due to chronic renal insufficiency. The patient received the hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor roxadustat (100 mg, three times weekly). After 12 wk of treatment, the patient’s hemoglobin increased significantly, and her symptoms were alleviated. During the follow-up period, adverse drug reactions were controllable and tolerable.

CONCLUSION

Oral roxadustat is effective and tolerable for the treatment of ESA hypores-ponsiveness-related anemia in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Low rather than high mean corpuscular volume is associated with mortality in Japanese patients under hemodialysis

Recent studies have reported that high mean corpuscular volume (MCV) might be associated with mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the question of whether a high MCV confers a risk for mortality in Japanese patients remains unclear. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of a cohort of 8571 patients using data derived from the Japan Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (J-DOPPS) phases 1 to 5. Associations of all-cause mortality, vascular events, and hospitalization due to infection with baseline MCV were examined via Cox proportional hazard models. Non-linear relationships between MCV and these outcomes were examined using restricted cubic spline analyses. Associations between time-varying MCV and these outcomes were also examined as sensitivity analyses. Cox proportional hazard models showed a significant association of low MCV (< 90 fL), but not for high MCV (102 < fL), with a higher incidence of all-cause mortality and hospitalization due to infection compared with 94 ≤ MCV < 98 fL (reference). Cubic spline analysis indicated a graphically U-shaped association between baseline MCV and all-cause mortality (p for non-linearity p < 0.001). In conclusion, a low rather than high MCV might be associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality and hospitalization due to infection among Japanese patients on hemodialysis.

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.

Potential hazards of recent trends in liberal iron use for renal anemia

A randomized controlled trial,the Proactive IV Iron Therapy in Haemodialysis Patients (PIVOTAL), has recently shown that a high-dose (‘proactive’) intravenous iron regimen was superior to a low-dose (‘reactive’) regimen for hemodialysis patient outcomes and overall safety. However, even in the low-dose group, a substantial amount of iron was administered to maintain serum ferritin >200 ng/mL. This type of comparison may have strongly affected the safety results. Iron has two opposite effects on erythropoiesis: it activates erythroid differentiation directly by supplying iron but inhibits it indirectly by stimulating hepcidin and enhancing oxidative stress. Hepcidin plays an essential role not only in iron homeostasis and the anemia of chronic kidney disease, but also in its complications such as atherosclerosis and infection. Its main stimulation by iron—and to a lesser degree by inflammation—should urge clinicians to avoid prescribing excessive amounts of iron. Furthermore, as serum ferritin is closely correlated with serum hepcidin and iron storage, it would seem preferable to rely mainly on serum ferritin to adjust iron administration, defining an upper limit for risk reduction. Based on our estimations, the optimal range of serum ferritin is ∼50–150 ng/mL, which is precisely within the boundaries of iron management in Japan. Considering the contrasting ranges of target ferritin levels between end-stage renal disease patients in Japan and the rest of the world, the optimal range proposed by us will probably be considered as unacceptable by nephrologists abroad. Only well-balanced, randomized controlled trials with both erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and iron will allow us to settle this controversy.

The Impact of CKD Anaemia on Patients: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Outcomes-A Systematic Literature Review

Anaemia is a common consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the risk factors for its development and its impact on outcomes have not been well synthesised. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review to fully characterise the risk factors associated with the presence of anaemia in patients with CKD and a contemporary synthesis of the risks of adverse outcomes in patients with CKD and anaemia. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from 2002 until 2018 for studies reporting the incidence or prevalence of anaemia and associated risk factors and/or associations between haemoglobin (Hb) or anaemia and mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), hospitalisation, or CKD progression in adult patients with CKD. Extracted data were summarised as risk factors related to the incidence or prevalence of anaemia or the risk (hazard ratio (HR)) of outcome by Hb level (<10, 10-12, >12 g/dL) in patients not on dialysis and in those receiving dialysis. 191 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria. The risk factor most associated with the prevalence of anaemia was CKD stage, followed by age and sex. Mean HRs (95% CI) for all-cause mortality in patients with CKD on dialysis with Hb <10, 10-12, and >12 g/dL were 1.56 (1.43-1.71), 1.17 (1.09-1.26), and 0.91 (0.87-0.96), respectively. Similar patterns were observed for nondialysis patients and for the risks of hospitalisation, MACE, and CKD progression. This is the first known systematic review to quantify the risk of adverse clinical outcomes based on Hb level in patients with CKD. Anaemia was consistently associated with greater mortality, hospitalisation, MACE, and CKD progression in patients with CKD, and risk increased with anaemia severity. Effective treatments that not only treat the anaemia but also reduce the risk of adverse clinical outcomes are essential to help reduce the burden of anaemia and its management in CKD.

Haemoglobin concentration and survival of haemodialysis patients before and after experiencing cardiovascular disease: a cohort study from Japanese dialysis outcomes and practice pattern study (J-DOPPS)

OBJECTIVES

Differences in the association of haemoglobin concentration with mortality or adverse cardiovascular events in haemodialysis patients before and after experiencing cardiovascular disease are unclear. We aimed to assess the influence of cardiovascular-comorbid condition on the association between haemoglobin concentration and mortality.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study Dialysis in phases 2 to 4 (2002 to 2011), including 80 randomly selected dialysis facilities in Japan (J-DOPPS).

PARTICIPANTS

5515 adult haemodialysis patients.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Cardiovascular mortality and adverse cardiovascular events were also evaluated. The association of these outcomes with haemoglobin concentration, categorised into six classes by 1.0 g/dL units, and cardiovascular-comorbid condition, treated as a time-dependent variable updated every 4 months, was evaluated. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were computed using a time-dependent Cox model with interaction test for cardiovascular comorbidity.

RESULTS

Over a median 2.0 years, 847 all-cause and 326 cardiovascular deaths, and 1000 adverse cardiovascular events occurred. Compared with haemoglobin 11.0 to 11.9 g/dL, the aHRs of mortality at the lowest range (<9.0 g/dL) were 1.29 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.76) and 2.11 (95% CI 1.47 to 3.06) in cardiovascular-comorbid and non-cardiovascular-comorbid patients, respectively (p=0.04 for cardiovascular-comorbid interaction), with increased cardiovascular mortality in both groups. At the second-lowest range (9.0 to 9.9 g/dL), mortality was increased only in non-cardiovascular-comorbid patients. Respective risks for mortality and adverse cardiovascular events at the second-highest range (12.0 to 12.9 g/dL) were non-significant but increased in both groups, while adverse cardiovascular events were increased at the highest range (≥13.0 g/dL) in non-cardiovascular-comorbid patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of low haemoglobin concentration with all-cause mortality differed between haemodialysis patients with and without cardiovascular comorbidity. Cardiovascular-comorbid condition should be considered when the association of haemoglobin concentration with mortality is addressed.

Increased mortality in haemodialysis patients administered high doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents: a propensity score-matched analysis

Background

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are widely used to treat anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. The issue of ESA safety has been raised in multiple studies, with correlates derived for elevated cancer incidence and mortality. Whether these associations are related to ESA dose or the typology of the patient remains obscure.

Methods

A multicentre, observational retrospective propensity score-matched study was designed to analyse the effects of weekly ESA dose in 1679 incident haemodialysis (HD) patients. ESA administration was according to standard medical practice. Patients were grouped as quintiles, according to ESA dose, in order to compare mortality and hospitalization data. Using propensity score matching (PSM), we defined two groups of 324 patients receiving weekly threshold ESA doses of either > or ≤8000 IU.

Results

Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated significant increases in the risk of mortality in patients administered with high doses of ESAs (>8127.4 IU/week). Multivariate Cox models identified a high ESA dose as an independent predictor for all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Moreover, logistic regression models identified high ESA doses as an independent predictor for all-cause, CV and infectious hospitalization. PSM analyses confirmed that weekly ESA doses of >8000 IU constitute an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and hospitalization, even though the adjusted cohort displayed the same demographic features, inflammatory profile, clinical HD parameters and haemoglobin levels.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that ESA doses of >8000 IU/week are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and hospitalization in HD patients.

A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial of Enarodustat in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Followed by Long-Term Trial

BACKGROUND

Enarodustat (JTZ-951) is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that mimics adaptive responses to hypoxic conditions and may provide a new therapeutic approach for managing anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated the efficacy, safety, and maintenance dose of enarodustat in anemic patients with CKD not on dialysis.

METHODS

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) naïve patients (correction group) and patients on a stable dose of ESA (conversion group) were randomized to receive 2, 4, or 6 mg of enarodustat or placebo once daily for 6 weeks in a double-blind manner (Period 1) followed by 24 weeks of open enarodustat treatment to maintain their hemoglobin (Hb) levels within a target range of 10.0-12.0 g/dL in reference to a dose adjustment algorithm (Period 2).

RESULTS

In the correction group, Hb level increase rate per week increased in a dose-response manner. The proportion of subjects in the conversion group who maintained Hb levels within ± 1.0 g/dL of baseline did not differ between each enarodustat arm and placebo arm during Period 1. Over 70% of subjects in both groups maintained Hb levels within the target range at the end of treatment in Period 2. The mean prescribed doses were 3.58 and 3.74 mg/day in the correction group and the conversion group, respectively. Enarodustat was associated with decreases in hepcidin and ferritin and increased total iron-binding capacity and was generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Enarodustat corrects and maintains Hb levels in anemic patients with CKD not on dialysis.

The association of the difference in hemoglobin levels before and after hemodialysis with the risk of 1-year mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Results from a nationwide cohort study of the Japanese Renal Data Registry

Background

Few clinical studies have directly examined the associations of hemoglobin (Hb) levels after hemodialysis (HD) and of the difference in Hb levels before and after HD (ΔHb) with patient outcomes. The present study aimed to determine ΔHb and post-HD Hb levels with nationwide data and to examine their associations with all-cause mortality in patients undergoing HD.

Methods

This study is based on data from 2008 and 2009 recorded in the Japanese Renal Data Registry. Study endpoints were all-cause mortality within 1-year. The ΔHb and post-HD Hb level as categorical variables using Cox regression for 1-year mortality, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The median ΔHb was 1.0 g/dl, and the post-HD Hb level was 11.3 g/d. The median pre-HD Hb level was 10.4 g/dl. The risk of mortality was lower with a ΔHb of 0 to 1.0 g/dl (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–1.01) or > 1.0 g/dl (aHR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.64–0.84) than with a ΔHb < 0 g/dl. The risk for mortality was also lower with a post-HD Hb of 10 to 11 g/dl (aHR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.73–0.92), 11 to 12 g/dl (aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68–0.87), or > 12 g/dl (aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68–0.87) than with a post-HD Hb < 10 g/dl.

Conclusions

Both a low ΔHb and a low post-HD Hb level were associated with a higher risk of 1-year mortality.

Anemia in conventional hemodialysis: Finding the optimal treatment balance

Renal anemia is a serious and common complication in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The introduction of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) has dramatically improved hemoglobin levels and outcomes. Several interventional studies reported that excessive correction of anemia and the massive use of ESA can trigger cardiovascular disease (CVD), and consequently may worsen the prognosis of patients undergoing HD. Therefore, it has been widely recognized that large doses of ESA should be used with caution. An effective use of iron preparations is required to yield the optimal effect of ESA. It is well-known that iron utilization is inhibited under pathological conditions, such as chronic inflammation, resulting in ESA resistance. It is postulated that a new class of therapeutic agents for renal anemia, hypoxia inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitors, will have beneficial treatment effects in patients on HD. HIF is induced by hypoxia and promotes erythropoietin production. In the absence of a hypoxic state, HIF is decomposed by the HIF catabolic enzyme. HIF-PH inhibitors inhibit this degrading enzyme and stimulate endogenous erythropoietin production via HIF induction. Additionally, HIF-PH inhibitors promote effective utilization of iron and raise erythropoietin to physiological concentrations. Accordingly, HIF-PH inhibitors improve anemia and iron metabolism. It appears that this effect persists irrespective of chronic inflammatory conditions. HIF-PH inhibitors do not overshoot erythropoietin above physiological concentrations like ESAs. Therefore, it is hypothesized that HIF-PH inhibitors would not increase the risk of CVD in patients undergoing HD.

Initiation of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and outcomes: a nationwide observational cohort study in anaemic chronic kidney disease patients

Background

In 2012, new clinical guidelines were introduced for use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, recommending lower haemoglobin (Hb) target levels and thresholds for ESA initiation. These changes resulted in lower blood levels in these patients. However, there is limited evidence on just when ESA should be initiated and the safety of a low Hb initiation policy.

Methods

In this observational inception cohort study, Swedish, nephology-referred, ESA-naïve CKD patients (n = 6348) were enrolled when their Hb dropped below 12.0 g/L, and they were followed for mortality and cardiovascular events. Four different ESA treatments were evaluated applying dynamic marginal structural models: (i) begin ESA immediately, (ii) begin ESA when Hb <11.0 g/dL, (iii) begin ESA when Hb <10.0 g/dL and (iv) never begin ESA in comparison with 'current practice' [the observed (factual) survival of the entire study cohort]. The adjusted 3-year survival following ESA begun over a range of Hb (from <9.0 to 12.0 g/dL) was evaluated, after adjustment for covariates at baseline and during follow-up.

Results

Overall, 36% were treated with ESA. Mortality during follow-up was 33.4% of the ESA-treated and 27.9% of the non-treated subjects. The adjusted 3-year survival associated with ESA initiation improved for subjects with initial Hb <9.0 to 11 g/dL and then decreased again for those with Hb above 11.5 g/dL. Initiating ESA at Hb <11.0 g/dL and <10.0 g/dL was associated with improved survival compared with 'current practice' [hazard ratio (HR) 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79-0.89 and 0.90; 95% CI 0.86-0.94, respectively] and did not increase the risk of a cardiovascular event (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.87-1.00).

Conclusion

In non-dialysis patients with CKD, ESA initiation at Hb < 10.0-11.0 g/dL is associated with improved survival in patients otherwise treated according to guidelines.

A threshold trajectory was revealed by isolating the effects of hemoglobin rate of rise in anemia of chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

To assess cardiovascular risk among various hemoglobin (Hb) rates of rise (RoR) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with anemia who have initiated therapy with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs).

METHODS

Observational cohort of CKD patients initiating ESA therapy from the Centricity® database, 1990-2011. Proportional hazards models tested the hypothesis that a slower Hb RoR (0 < g/dl/month ⩽ 0.125) is associated with a lower cardiovascular (CV) incidence [composite of fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke] compared with faster RoR (0.125 < g/dl/month ⩽ 2.0, and >2.0 g/dl/month).

RESULTS

A total of 9220 patients receiving ESAs were followed for an average of 3.1 years. Slow (group B) RoR versus medium (group C') and fast (group D') RoR in Hb, throughout all Hb milestones, was associated with lower risk of the composite endpoint [B (slow) versus D' (fast) [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.20 (0.11, 0.39), p < 0.0001]; B versus C' (medium) [HR = 0.34 (0.19, 0.62), p = 0.0004], and C' versus D' [HR = 0.60 (0.42, 0.85), p = 0.005]]. Within achieved Hb milestones, HRs were: B versus D' at milestone ⩾ 14.1 g/dl [HR = 0.17 (0.05, 0.56); p = 0.004] and at milestone 12.6-14.0 [HR = 0.18 (0.07, 0.46), p = 0.0004].

CONCLUSION

Rapid Hb rise is associated with adverse CV outcomes, with markedly lower risk for rates below a threshold trajectory of 0.125 g/dl/month, even with complete correction.

Indole 3-acetic acid, indoxyl sulfate and paracresyl-sulfate do not influence anemia parameters in hemodialysis patients

Background

The main reason for anemia in renal failure patients is the insufficient erythropoietin production by the kidneys. Beside erythropoietin deficiency, in vitro studies have incriminated uremic toxins in the pathophysiology of anemia but clinical data are sparse. In order to assess if indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), indoxyl sulfate (IS), and paracresyl sulfate (PCS) -three protein bound uremic toxins- are clinically implicated in end-stage renal disease anemia we studied the correlation between IAA, IS and PCS plasmatic concentrations with hemoglobin and Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESA) use in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Between June and July 2014, we conducted an observational cross sectional study in two hemodialysis center. Three statistical approaches were conducted. First, we compared patients treated with ESA and those not treated. Second, we performed linear regression models between IAA, IS, and PCS plasma concentrations and hemoglobin, the ESA dose over hemoglobin ratio (ESA/Hemoglobin) or the ESA resistance index (ERI). Third, we used a polytomous logistic regression model to compare groups of patients with no/low/high ESA dose and low/high hemoglobin statuses.

Results

Overall, 240 patients were included in the study. Mean age ± SD was 67.6 ± 16.0 years, 55.4% were men and 42.5% had diabetes mellitus.

When compared with ESA treated patients, patients with no ESA had higher hemoglobin (mean 11.4 ± 1.1 versus 10.6 ± 1.2 g/dL; p <0.001), higher transferrin saturation (TSAT, 31.1 ± 16.3% versus 23.1 ± 11.5%; p < 0.001), less frequently an IV iron prescription (52.1 versus 65.7%, p = 0.04) and were more frequently treated with hemodiafiltration (53.5 versus 36.7%). In univariate analysis, IAA, IS or PCS plasma concentrations did not differ between the two groups.

In the linear model, IAA plasma concentration was not associated with hemoglobin, but was negatively associated with ESA/Hb (p = 0.02; R = 0.18) and with the ERI (p = 0.03; R = 0.17). IS was associated with none of the three anemia parameters. PCS was positively associated with hemoglobin (p = 0.03; R = 0.14), but negatively with ESA/Hb (p = 0.03; R = 0.17) and the ERI (p = 0.02; R = 0.19). In multivariate analysis, the association of IAA concentration with ESA/Hb or ERI was not statistically significant, neither was the association of PCS with ESA/Hb or ERI. Identically, in the subgroup of 76 patients with no inflammation (CRP <5 mg/L) and no iron deficiency (TSAT >20%) linear regression between IAA, IS or PCS and any anemia parameter did not reach significance.

In the third model, univariate analysis showed no intergroup significant differences for IAA and IS. Regarding PCS, the Low Hb/High ESA group had lower concentrations. However, when we compared PCS with the other significant characteristics of the five groups to the Low Hb/high ESA (our reference group), the polytomous logistic regression model didn’t show any significant difference for PCS.

Conclusions

In our study, using three different statistical models, we were unable to show any correlation between IAA, IS and PCS plasmatic concentrations and any anemia parameter in hemodialysis patients. Indolic uremic toxins and PCS have no or a very low effect on anemia parameters.

Erythropoietin Hyporesponsiveness in Dialysis Patients: Possible Role of Statins

BACKGROUND

Hypothesizing that statins may be useful as adjuvant treatment for renal anemia, we examined the association between statin prescription (Rx) and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) hyporesponsiveness in Japanese hemodialysis (HD) patients prescribed ESAs.

METHODS

We examined 3,602 patients in 60 HD facilities dialyzed 3 times/week for ≥4 months from the Japan Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study phases 3-5 (2005-2015). Statin Rx was reported at the end of a 4-month interval (baseline) for each patient. ESA hyporesponsiveness in the subsequent 4 months was then defined as a binary indicator (mean hemoglobin [Hgb] level <10 g/dL and mean ESA dose >6,000 units/week) and separately as the ESA resistance index (ERI; mean ESA dose/[dry weight × mean Hgb]). We used adjusted logistic and linear regressions to evaluate the associations between statin Rx and ESA hyporesponsiveness.

RESULTS

At baseline, 16.2% of patients reported statin Rx; 12.8% were classified as having ESA hyporesponsiveness during 4 months of follow-up. Compared to patients without statin Rx, patients with statin Rx had lower odds of ESA hyporesponsiveness (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.66-1.15). Similarly, the ERI was lower for those with statin Rx than without (ratio of means, 0.94; 95% CI 0.89-0.99) after adjustment for possible confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that statins may slightly reduce ESA hyporesponsiveness in HD patients. However, any causal inference is limited by the observational study design and unmeasured compliance with statin Rx.

Levocarnitine Injections Decrease the Need for Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents in Hemodialysis Patients with Renal Anemia

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of levocarnitine injection for renal anemia in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled clinical trial, we randomly assigned patients on maintenance hemodialysis at our hospital to receive levocarnitine injections (n = 30) or no injection (n = 30) and monitored the patients during 12 months of treatment. In the treatment group, patients received an injection of levocarnitine 1,000 mg 3 times weekly after hemodialysis sessions. All patients received recombinant human erythropoietin as an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). Response to ESA therapy was determined by calculating the erythropoietin responsiveness index (ERI; ESA dose·kg^-1·g^-1· dL^-1·week^-1).

RESULTS

(1) The target levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit were maintained during the study period in both the levocarnitine group and the control group. (2) The dose of ESAs required to maintain these levels decreased gradually in the levocarnitine group and was significantly lower at 6 and 12 months than at study initiation. Furthermore, the dose of ESAs was significantly lower than that in the control group at 12 months. (3) The ERI showed a significant decrease at 6 and 12 months in the levocarnitine group, with a significant difference between the 2 groups at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that levocarnitine administration can reduce the dose of ESAs required in patients with renal anemia on hemodialysis and improve the response to ESA therapy.

Relationship between Hemoglobin Levels Corrected by Interdialytic Weight Gain and Mortality in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients: Miyazaki Dialysis Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Although hemoglobin (Hb) levels are affected by a change in the body fluid status, the relationship between Hb levels and mortality while taking interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) at blood sampling into account has not yet been examined in hemodialysis patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING, PARTICIPANTS

Data from the Miyazaki Dialysis cohort study, including 1375 prevalent hemodialysis patients (median age (interquartile range), 69 (60-77) years, 42.3% female).

PREDICTOR

Patients were divided into 5 categories according to baseline Hb levels and two groups based on the median value of IDWG rates at blood sampling at pre-HD on the first dialysis session of the week.

OUTCOMES

All-cause and cardiovascular mortalities during a 3-year follow-up.

MEASUREMENTS

Hazard ratios were estimated using a Cox model for the relationship between Hb categories and mortality, and adjusted for potential confounders such as age, sex, dialysis duration, erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dosage, Kt/V, comorbid conditions, anti-hypertensive drug use, serum albumin, serum C-reactive protein, serum ferritin, and serum intact parathyroid hormone. Patients with Hb levels of 9-9.9 g/dL were set as our reference category.

RESULTS

A total of 246 patients (18%) died of all-cause mortality, including 112 cardiovascular deaths. Lower Hb levels (<9.0g/dL) were associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HRs 2.043 [95% CI, 1.347-3.009]), while Hb levels were not associated with cardiovascular mortality. When patients were divided into two groups using the median value of IDWG rates (high IDWG, ≥5.4% and low IDWG, <5.4%), the correlation between lower Hb levels and all-cause mortality disappeared in high IDWG patients, but was maintained in low IDWG patients (adjusted HRs 3.058 [95% CI,1.575-5.934]). On the other hand, higher Hb levels (≥12g/dL) were associated with cardiovascular mortality in high IDWG patients (adjusted HRs 2.724 [95% CI, 1.010-7.349]), but not in low IDWG patients.

CONCLUSION

In hemodialysis patients, target Hb levels may need to be selected in consideration of IDWG at blood sampling.

Effect of Predialysis Recombinant Human Erythropoietin on Early Survival After Hemodialysis Initiation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Co-JET Study

Progression of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of death and hospitalization. It is not sufficiently clear whether treating renal anemia with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) has a beneficial effect on early survival after hemodialysis (HD) initiation in patients with CKD. The study was an open-label multicenter retrospective cohort study to evaluate the relationship between rHuEPO treatment and early survival after HD initiation in patients with CKD. Predialysis patients with CKD were divided into two groups: an rHuEPO-treated group (rHuEPO group) and a non-treatment group. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality in the year after HD initiation. A total of 3261 patients were enrolled (2275 in the rHuEPO group and 986 in the non-treatment group). One-year survival was 95.36% in the rHuEPO group and 90.36% in the non-treatment group. The survival rate was significantly higher in the rHuEPO group (P < 0.0001). The results of multivariate analysis confirmed that predialysis treatment with rHuEPO is a predictor for reduced mortality risk (hazard ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.42-0.87, P = 0.006). Risk for the composite event of death/hospitalization was also lower in the rHuEPO group (hazard ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.98, P = 0.026). The results of this study suggest that treatment with rHuEPO can decrease early mortality risk after initiation of HD in patients with CKD. A prospective study is needed to further investigate early survival after HD initiation.