Should the Hematocrit Be Normalized in Dialysis and in Pre-ESRD Patients?

Vol. 19, No. 2, 2001

Free Abstract Article (References) Article (PDF 235 KB)

Advances in End-Stage Renal Diseases 2001
International Conference on Dialysis III, January 18–19, 2001, Miami Beach, Fla.
Editors: Nathan W. Levin, New York, N.Y.; Claudio Ronco, Vicenza

Paper

Should the Hematocrit Be Normalized in Dialysis and in Pre-ESRD Patients?
Iain C. Macdougall

Department of Renal Medicine, King’s College Hospital, London, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Blood Purif 2001;19:157-167 (DOI: 10.1159/000046934)

Abstract

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Just over a decade ago, a new therapeutic agent was introduced that could effectively treat the anemia associated with chronic renal failure. This treatment, called recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin), was rapidly shown to be successful in 90–95% of patients treated. It could increase the hematocrit (or hemoglobin – see below) to whatever level the physician desired, and yet the early treatment studies elected to aim for partial rather than full correction of the anemia. This practice has largely persisted, with few nephrologists currently aiming for normalization of hematocrit in their patients. The first question we have to ask ourselves is why this is the case.

Author Contacts

Dr. Iain C. Macdougall
Renal Unit, King’s College Hospital
East Dulwich Grove
London SE22 8PT (UK)
Tel. +44 207 346 6234, Fax +44 207 346 6472, E-Mail icm-kru@globalnet.co.uk

Article Information

Number of Print Pages : 11
Number of Figures : 7, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 29

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