Ifudu O, Feldman J, Friedman EA
Underdialysis impairs response to erythropoietin in hemodialysis patients
Am Soc Nephrol
J Am Soc Nephrol (abstract) (Nov) 6:602 1995

There has been a growing appreciation that inadequate dialytic clearance of small solutes (a low KT/V) may cause EPO resistance. In this study, a cross-sectional analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between KT/V and hct. In a second, longitudinal part of this study, 20 patients with KT/V <1.2 had an increase in dialysis dose, and were then followed for 4 weeks. This was accompanied by an increase in hematocrit from 28.4% to 31.6%.

Comment: This well designed study provides strong evidence that inadequate dialysis hinders the efficacy of EPO therapy. It adds to the growing fund of data suggesting that the current HCFA KT/V standard of 1.2 does not indicate optimal dialysis. (Fishbane)

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Am Soc Nephrol
CRF by problem area : Anemia/Erythropoietin/Iron
CRF: Problem Areas : Outcomes (Morbidity, Mortality)