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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nicholas Hoenich
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Background/Aims: Hemodialysis patients show complications associated with low or high hemoglobin (Hb), which occur frequently in clinical practice. We sought to determine the clinical importance of these changes in Hb levels. Methods: From our clinic cohorts, we identified 1,634 who met inclusion criteria for analysis of hospitalization frequency and 1,953 analysis of mortality; many patients were in both groups. Hb excursions outside the target range (11-12.5 g/dl) were studied in relation to patient outcomes. Results: Hb measures below range were associated with more frequent hospitalization (p < 0.001), increased length of stay (p < 0.001), and increased mortality (p < 0.01), whereas Hb above range was associated with a reduced frequency of hospitalization (p < 0.01) and shorter length of stay (p < 0.01), and tended to be associated with reduced mortality. Conclusions: Excursions below range were associated with negative outcomes, but excursions above range were either beneficial or neutral. Our findings indicate that clinicians should focus on low Hb as a negative indicator of patient status, whereas transient Hb above range is a marker for patient health and well-being. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel
Author(s): Handelman GJ, Kotanko P, Cisternas MG, Hoenich N, Usvyat L, Kuhlmann M, Levin NW
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Blood Purification
Year: 2013
Volume: 35
Issue: 4
Pages: 247-257
Print publication date: 01/08/2013
ISSN (print): 0253-5068
ISSN (electronic): 1421-9735
Publisher: S. Karger AG
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000345338
DOI: 10.1159/000345338
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