Lower Hb at the initiation of dialysis does not adversely affect 1-year mortality rate

Abstract Background The management of renal anemia in the pre-dialysis period has been remarkably improved by long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA). However, many incident dialysis patients cannot achieve target hemoglobin (Hb) levels (> 10 g/dL) and sometimes require blood transfusions. Anemia at the time of dialysis initiation is reportedly correlated with cardiomegaly and early cardiovascular events. Here, we investigated whether this V-shaped depression in Hb level at dialysis initiation adversely affects short-term prognosis. Methods The medical charts of 166 patients who underwent initial dialysis were retrospectively reviewed for Hb level, ESA treatment status, dry weight (DW), cardiothoracic rate (CTR), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level at dialysis initiation and 1 year later. Patients were subdivided into three groups according to the tertile of Hb levels. The risk of mortality within 1 year after initiation was analyzed using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard model. Result Mean Hb level at initiation was 8.6 ± 1.3 g/dL despite the administration of sufficient ESA. After initiation, Hb levels rapidly increased and the Hb time course showed a V-shape with the bottom at initiation. Hb level, CTR, and log BNP showed a significant negative correlation. The Hb level and CTR 1 year after initiation did not correlate with Hb levels at initiation. Lower Hb levels at initiation as a V-shaped depression do not adversely affect 1-year mortality rate by multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard model. Conclusion Hb level around dialysis initiation showed a V-shaped depression despite ESA use. Our findings suggest that the V-shaped Hb depression at initiation does not affect short-term prognosis