Cross-sectional analysis of erythropoietin use in CPD: its relation to azotemic index clearances

The association between the use of erythropoietin and urea or creatinine clearance was studied in two populations on continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) residing either at an altitude of 1600 m (n = 194) or at sea level (n = 108). Among peritoneal and total KT/V urea and creatinine clearance (CCr) indices, only total CCr was lower in the high altitude group receiving erythropoietin than in the corresponding group not receiving erythropoietin (68.0 +/- 34.9 vs 82.9 +/- 40.9 L/1.73 m2 weekly, p < 0.01). However, 24-hour urine volume and urinary KT/V urea and CCr were consistently lower in the groups receiving erythropoietin than in those not receiving erythropoietin. Total weekly KT/V urea < or = 1.70 and CCr < or = 52 L/1.73 m2 were considered indicators of inadequate CPD. Although the percent of patients receiving erythropoietin did not differ overall between groups with adequate and those with inadequate CPD, a trend towards more frequent use of erythropoietin was found in the sea level group with inadequate CCr versus the group with adequate CCr (28.2% vs 16.9%, p = 0.084). In CPD decreased renal function is associated with more frequent use of erythropoietin. Whether inadequate total urea or creatinine clearance is also associated with more frequent erythropoietin use requires further study.