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Hematocrit values in the CAPD/CCPD population: a report of the National CAPD Registry
1EMMES Corporation, Potomac, Maryland 20854.
Insights
This study analyzed hematocrit levels in peritoneal dialysis patients, finding that while many factors didn't influence levels, males, whites, and those with polycystic kidney disease had higher hematocrits. Some patients may benefit from erythropoietin therapy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hematology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Anemia is common in patients undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
- Understanding hematocrit distribution and influencing factors is crucial for managing anemia in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess hematocrit level distribution in CAPD patients.
- To characterize anemia within the CAPD population.
- To identify factors associated with hematocrit level variations.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 812 patients was selected from the National CAPD Registry.
- Data from 608 patients were analyzed.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors influencing hematocrit levels.
Main Results:
- The mean hematocrit level was 29.4% (median 29%).
- Factors like peritonitis, time on CAPD, folate, androgen, and iron therapy showed no clear influence.
- Higher hematocrits were observed in males, whites, and patients with polycystic kidney disease.
- Lower hematocrits were associated with surgically anephric status and recent transfusions.
- 89% of patients had not received transfusions within 60 days prior to the survey.
Conclusions:
- Hematocrit levels in CAPD patients vary, influenced by demographics and clinical factors.
- Certain patient groups (males, whites, polycystic kidney disease) exhibit higher hematocrits.
- Surgically anephric patients and those recently transfused have lower hematocrits.
- Recombinant erythropoietin therapy may benefit patients with hematocrit levels below the median.
Abstract:
A survey of the National CAPD Registry population was conducted to assess the distribution of hematocrit levels in a large group of peritoneal dialysis patients, to characterize the anemia of the population, and identify factors which relate to variation in hematocrit levels. A random sample of 812 patients was selected from the Registry population. Information was provided on 608 patients. Characteristics of sampled patients were similar to the Registry population as a whole. The mean hematocrit level in this cohort was 29.4% and the median was 29% Recent peritonitis, time on CAPD, folate therapy, androgen therapy, and iron therapy had no obvious influence on hematocrit distributions. Significantly higher hematocrits were seen in males, whites, and patients with polycystic kidney disease. Significantly lower hematocrits were seen in surgically anephric patients and in patients who had received transfusions 60 days before the survey. Eighty-nine percent of patients had not received a transfusion 60 days prior to the survey. Some patients, especially those with hematocrits below the median, might benefit from recombinant erythropoietin therapy.