Evaluation of Anemia Related Factors in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: To evaluate hemodialysis patients in terms of anemia and mortality-related factors. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on ninety-nine hemodialysis patients from Bitlis, Turkey. The analysis involved comparing hemoglobin and ferritin levels and doses of ESA and iron administered. Additionally, mortality-related factors were analyzed. Results: Patients with lower hemoglobin levels had significantly higher CRP and PTH levels but lower ferritin, total cholesterol, LDL, and glucose levels. The dose of ESA was higher, and the surface area of dialyzers was significantly lower in patients with lower hemoglobin levels. Patients with high ferritin levels had significantly higher CRP, lower hemoglobin levels, and longer dialysis vintage. Patients who received more than 200 mg of intravenous iron per month had significantly higher numbers of patients with diabetic nephropathy, higher CRP, and glucose levels but lower PTH and creatinine levels, lower transferrin saturation, and lymphocyte counts. Patients who received lower doses of ESA had significantly higher LDL, total cholesterol, hemoglobin levels, and higher surface area of dialyzers used but lower ferritin levels. Finally, hemoglobin levels < 9 g/dl and increasing IV iron doses were associated with mortality. Conclusion: Hyperparathyroidism and inflammation were associated with anemia. Anemia and increasing doses of iron were associated with increased mortality.