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Chun-Kau Chan G, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Kit-Chung Ng J, Tian N, Burns A, Chow KM, Szeto CC, Kam-Tao Li P. Frailty in patients on dialysis. Kidney Int 2024:S0085-2538(24)00315-6. [PMID: 38705274 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Frailty is a condition that is frequently observed among patients undergoing dialysis. Frailty is characterized by a decline in both physiological state and cognitive state, leading to a combination of symptoms, such as weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity level, weakness, and slow walking speed. Frail patients not only experience a poor quality of life, but also are at higher risk of hospitalization, infection, cardiovascular events, dialysis-associated complications, and death. Frailty occurs as a result of a combination and interaction of various medical issues in patients who are on dialysis. Unfortunately, frailty has no cure. To address frailty, a multifaceted approach is necessary, involving coordinated efforts from nephrologists, geriatricians, nurses, allied health practitioners, and family members. Strategies such as optimizing nutrition and chronic kidney disease-related complications, reducing polypharmacy by deprescription, personalizing dialysis prescription, and considering home-based or assisted dialysis may help slow the decline of physical function over time in subjects with frailty. This review discusses the underlying causes of frailty in patients on dialysis and examines the methods and difficulties involved in managing frailty among this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Chun-Kau Chan
- Carol & Richard Yu Peritoneal Dialysis Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Jack Kit-Chung Ng
- Carol & Richard Yu Peritoneal Dialysis Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Na Tian
- Department of Nephrology, General Hospital of Ning Xia Medical University, Yin Chuan, China
| | - Aine Burns
- Division of Nephrology, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Kai-Ming Chow
- Carol & Richard Yu Peritoneal Dialysis Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheuk-Chun Szeto
- Carol & Richard Yu Peritoneal Dialysis Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences (LiHS), Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Philip Kam-Tao Li
- Carol & Richard Yu Peritoneal Dialysis Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
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Kotb E, El Mancy IM, Mohamed IGR, Ayoub HSA, Rashed ASM, El-Nasser WS, Hamed HI, Aladl HA, Sabrh M, Eliwa A, Ghamry EM, Elmonier R, Abd El Fattah MOA, El Sheref SEDM, Mahmoud TM. Relation between erythropoietin resistance and metabolic syndrome in hemodialysis patients: A multicentric propensity score matched analysis. J Investig Med 2023; 71:753-759. [PMID: 37199290 DOI: 10.1177/10815589231171405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) resistance is frequently reported in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common biochemical condition that comprises central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. The present study aimed to assess the relation between MetS and EPO resistance in HD patients. The present multicentric study included 150 patients with EPO resistance and 150 patients without EPO resistance. Short-acting EPO resistance was diagnosed if the erythropoietin resistance index is ≥1.0 IU/kg/gHb. Comparison between patients with EPO resistance and patients without resistance revealed that the former group had significantly higher body mass index, lower hemoglobin levels, lower albumin levels, higher ferritin levels, and higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. In addition, patients in the EPO resistance group had significantly higher frequency of MetS (75.3% vs 38.0%, p < 0.001) and higher number of MetS components (2.7 ± 1.3 vs 1.8 ± 1.6, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified lower albumin levels (OR (95% CI): 0.072 (0.016-0.313), p < 0.001), higher ferritin levels (OR (95% CI): 1.05 (1.033-1.066), p< 0.001), higher hsCRP levels (OR (95% CI): 1.041 (1.007-1.077), p = 0.018), and MetS (OR (95% CI): 36.68 (2.893-465.05), p = 0.005) as predictors of EPO resistance in the studied patients. The present study identified MetS as a predictor of EPO resistance in HD patients. Other predictors include serum ferritin, hsCRP, and albumin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam Kotb
- Internal Medicine Department, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mostafa Sabrh
- Internal Medicine Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Eliwa
- Internal Medicine Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Esam M Ghamry
- Internal Medicine Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rady Elmonier
- Internal Medicine Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Tamer M Mahmoud
- Internal Medicine Department, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Kato K, Nakashima A, Ohkido I, Kasai K, Yokoo T. 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. BMC Nephrol 2023; 24:244. [PMID: 37605118 PMCID: PMC10463297 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03298-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Kato
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fuji City General Hospital, Takashima-Cho 50, Fuji-Shi, Shizuoka, Japan.
| | - Akio Nakashima
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Ichiro Ohkido
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Kenji Kasai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fuji City General Hospital, Takashima-Cho 50, Fuji-Shi, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Yokoo
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
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Fang YW, Wang JT, Lin TY, Lee CJ, Jang TN, Tsai MH, Liou HH. High intact fibroblast growth factor 23 levels associated with low hemoglobin levels in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1098871. [PMID: 37081846 PMCID: PMC10110852 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1098871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionA negative association between C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23 (cFGF23) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels has been reported in patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease. In dialysis patients, the dominant form of serum FGF23 is intact FGF23 (iFGF23); however, its association with the Hb level remains unclear. Therefore, simultaneously monitoring iFGF23 and cFGF23 levels is crucial. In this study, we investigated the associations between both forms of FGF23 (iFGF23 and cFGF23) and renal anemia in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients.MethodsWe included 166 CHD patients from two hospitals in this cross-sectional, observational study. The primary predictors were serum iFGF23, cFGF23, and iFGF23/cFGF23 levels. The main outcome was the Hb level.ResultsAmong the CHD patients included, 60.8% were men with a mean age of 59.4 ± 12.7 years. In the crude analysis, iFGF23 and iFGF23/cFGF23 levels showed a significant negative association (−0.27, p = 0.004 and −0.22, p = 0.034, respectively) with the Hb level. Even after adjusting for multiple variables (a parsimonious model), every increment of natural log transformation by 1 for (ln)iFGF23 and ln(iFGF23/cFGF23) levels showed a negative correlation with the Hb level (estimate: −0.27 [95%CI: −0.44, −0.10, p = 0.001]; −0.19 [95%CI: −0.37, −0.01, p = 0.042], respectively), whereas both were positively associated with erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) hyporesponsiveness (odds ratio [OR]: [95%CI: 2.30, 1.26–4.17], p = 0.006; 1.95 [95%CI: 1.08–3.50], p = 0.025). Moreover, these abovementioned associations were more dominant in patients with diabetes who used angiotensin receptor blockers.DiscussionIn conclusion, a negative association between serum iFGF23 or iFGF23/cFGF23 level and the Hb level was observed in our CHD patients. Meanwhile, a higher iFGF23 or iFGF23/cFGF23 level may predispose patients to ESA hyporesponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Fang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Tong Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tzu Yun Lin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hsin-Jen Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Jen Lee
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsrang-Neng Jang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Tsai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Ming-Hsien Tsai
| | - Hung-Hsiang Liou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hsin-Jen Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Hung-Hsiang Liou
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Evolving Concepts on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Malnutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204297. [PMID: 36296981 PMCID: PMC9611115 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While patient care, kidney replacement therapy, and transplantation techniques for chronic kidney disease (CKD) have continued to progress, the incidence of malnutrition disorders in CKD appears to have remained unchanged over time. However, there is now a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology according to the disease background, disease stage, and the treatment received. In CKD patients, the increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress lead to a proinflammatory milieu that is at least partially responsible for the increased morbidity and mortality in this patient population. New insights into the pathogenic role of innate immunity and the proinflammatory cytokine profile, characterized, for instance, by higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, explain some of the clinical and laboratory abnormalities observed in these patients. In this article, we will explore currently available nutritional-inflammatory biomarkers in distinct CKD populations (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplantation) with a view to evaluating their efficacy as predictors of malnutrition and their involvement in the common proinflammatory process. Although there is a direct relationship between inflammatory-nutritional status, signs and symptoms [e.g., protein-energy wasting (PEW), anorexia], and comorbidities (e.g., atheromatosis, atherosclerosis), we are in need of clearly standardized markers for nutritional-inflammatory assessment to improve their performance and design appropriate bidirectional interventions.
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Wu HH, Chinnadurai R. Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agent Hyporesponsiveness in Patients Living with Chronic Kidney Disease. KIDNEY DISEASES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 8:103-114. [PMID: 35527989 PMCID: PMC9021651 DOI: 10.1159/000521162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) hyporesponsiveness is commonly observed in patients with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Because of its complexity, a global consensus on how we should define ESA hyporesponsiveness remains unavailable. The reported prevalence and demographic information on ESA hyporesponsiveness within the CKD population are variable with no consensus definition. SUMMARY ESA hyporesponsiveness is defined as having no increase in hemoglobin concentration from baseline after the first month of treatment on appropriate weight-based dosing. The important factors associated with ESA hyporesponsiveness include absolute or functional iron deficiency, inflammation, and uremia. Hepcidin has been demonstrated to play an important role in this process. Mineral bone disease secondary to CKD and non-iron malnutrition among other factors are also associated with ESA hyporesponsiveness. There is continued debate toward determining a gold-standard treatment pathway to manage ESA hyporesponsiveness. The development of hypoxia-inducing factor-stabilizers brings new insights and opportunities in the management of ESA hyporesponsiveness. KEY MESSAGE Management of ESA hyporesponsiveness involves a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach to address its risk factors. The progression of basic and clinical research on identifying risk factors and management of ESA hyporesponsiveness brings greater hope on finding solutions to eventually tackling one of the most difficult problems in the topic of anemia in CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H.L. Wu
- Department of Renal Medicine, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rajkumar Chinnadurai
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Renal Medicine, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
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Weir MR. Managing Anemia across the Stages of Kidney Disease in Those Hyporesponsive to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents. Am J Nephrol 2021; 52:450-466. [PMID: 34280923 DOI: 10.1159/000516901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with CKD frequently have anemia that results from iron-restricted erythropoiesis and inflammation. Anemia of CKD is currently managed with iron supplements and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to promote erythropoiesis and with RBC transfusion in severe cases. Hyporesponse to ESAs, or the need for larger than usual doses to attain a given hemoglobin (Hb) level, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and presents a pressing clinical challenge, particularly for patients on dialysis. This paper reviews ESA hyporesponse and potential new therapeutic options in the management of anemia of CKD. SUMMARY The most common causes of ESA hyporesponse include iron deficiency and inflammation, and to a lesser degree, secondary hyperparathyroidism, inadequate dialysis, malnutrition, and concomitant medications. Management of ESA hyporesponse is multipronged and involves treating low level infections, ensuring adequate nutrition, and optimizing iron status and dialysis modality, although some patients can remain refractory. Inflammation directly increases production and secretion of hepcidin, contributes to an impaired response to hypoxia, and suppresses proliferation of erythroid progenitors. Coordination of renal and hepatic erythropoietin (EPO) production and iron metabolism is under the control of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF), which are in turn regulated by HIF-prolyl hydroxylases (HIF-PHs). HIF-PHs and hepcidin are therefore attractive potential drug targets particularly in patients with ESA hyporesponse. Several oral HIF-PH inhibitors have been evaluated in patients with anemia of CKD and have been shown to increase Hb and reduce hepcidin regardless of inflammation, iron status, or dialysis modality. These sustained effects are achieved through more modest increases in endogenous EPO compared with ESAs. Key Messages: Treatments that address ESA hyporesponse remain a significant unmet clinical need in patients with anemia of CKD. New therapies such as HIF-PH inhibitors have the potential to address fundamental aspects of ESA hyporesponse and provide a new therapeutic option in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Weir
- Division of Nephrology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Usui T, Zhao J, Fuller DS, Hanafusa N, Hasegawa T, Fujino H, Nomura T, Zee J, Young E, Robinson BM, Nangaku M. Association of erythropoietin resistance and fibroblast growth factor 23 in dialysis patients: Results from the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. Nephrology (Carlton) 2020; 26:46-53. [PMID: 32743932 PMCID: PMC7754421 DOI: 10.1111/nep.13765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) plays an important role in chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related mineral and bone disorders. High FGF23 levels are associated with increased risk of anaemia in non-haemodialysis CKD patients. FGF23 also negatively regulates erythropoiesis in mice. We hypothesized that higher FGF23 levels are associated with increased erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness among haemodialysis patients. METHODS The study included 1044 patients from the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (J-DOPPS) phase 5 (2012-2015). The outcome was erythropoiesis-stimulating agent hyporesponsiveness (ESA-hypo), defined as mean Hgb <10 g/dL and standardized mean ESA dose >6000 u/week over 4 months following FGF23 measurement. The association between ESA-hypo and FGF23 was estimated using multivariable-adjusted logistic generalized estimating equation regression models. RESULTS Patients with higher levels of FGF23 were younger and had higher levels of serum albumin, creatinine, albumin-corrected calcium, phosphorus, PTH, 25(OH)-vitamin D, and had higher percentages of intravenous (IV) iron, IV vitamin D and cinacalcet use. ESA-hypo was present in 144 patients (13.8%). Compared with the third quintile of FGF23 levels, the odds ratio (95% CI) of ESA-hypo was 2.14 (0.99, 4.62) and 1.74 (0.74, 4.11) for the first and fifth quintiles, respectively. CONCLUSION The lowest and highest levels of FGF23 were associated with higher odds of ESA-hypo in patients on maintenance haemodialysis, although the associations were not statistically significant. The relationship between FGF23 and anaemia, and particularly the increased risks of ESA-hypo at low FGF23 levels which might be the result of energy saving, must be confirmed in larger clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Usui
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junhui Zhao
- Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Douglas S Fuller
- Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Norio Hanafusa
- Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hasegawa
- Showa University Research Administration Center (SURAC), Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Nephrology (Fujigaoka Hospital), Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Showa University, Yokohama, Japan.,Center for Innovative Research for Communities and Clinical Excellence, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujino
- Medical Affairs Department, Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanobu Nomura
- Medical Affairs Department, Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jarcy Zee
- Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Eric Young
- Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bruce M Robinson
- Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Masaomi Nangaku
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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