Hematocrit level is a predictive factor for future hospitalization events.
ASN 30th Annual Meeting, San Antonio
J Am Soc Nephrol (Sep) 8:190A 1997
This retrospective study of 1991 (28,935 patients) and 1992 (33,526 patients) cohorts evaluated the relative risk of hospitalization during the following year. Data collection was based on Medicare payment records for EPO, which include a recording of the hematocrit level.
The degree of anemia was strongly predictive for length of hospital stay, and relative risk for hospitalization continued to decline as the hematocrit level increased, being lower for a hematocrit range of 33-36% than for a hematocrit range of 30-33% (RR 0.85-0.90 vs. 1.00). For each level of hematocrit range, the relative risk for later hospitalization was virtually identical in the 1991 and 1992 cohorts. Covariates included in the model were age, gender, race, renal diagnosis, 11 comorbid conditions, and prior ESRD duration.
These data provide important documentation of the value of higher hematocrit in producing desirable patient outcomes. Patients with hematocrit levels > 36% were excluded because of Medicare payment regulations. It would be beneficial to be able to examine the effect of higher hematocrit on hospitalization rates. (Rick L. Latos, M.D., Wheeling, WV)
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ASN 30th Annual Meeting, San Antonio
CRF by problem area : Anemia/Erythropoietin/Iron
CRF: Problem Areas : Outcomes (Morbidity, Mortality)