Anemia Management in the China Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study

Abstract

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; As the utilization of hemodialysis increases in China, it is critical to examine anemia management. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Using data from the China Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS), we describe hemoglobin (Hgb) distribution and anemia-related therapies. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Twenty one percent of China's DOPPS patients had Hgb &lt;9 g/dl, compared with ≤10% in Japan and North America. A majority of medical directors targeted Hgb ≥11. Patients who were female, younger, or recently hospitalized had higher odds of Hgb &lt;9; those with insurance coverage or on twice weekly dialysis had lower odds of Hgb &lt;9. Iron use and erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) dose were modestly higher for patients with Hgb &lt;9 compared with Hgb in the range 10-12. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; A large proportion of hemodialysis patients in China's DOPPS do not meet the expressed Hgb targets. Less frequent hemodialysis, patient financial contribution, and lack of a substantial increase in ESA dose at lower Hgb concentrations may partially explain this gap. Video Journal Club ‘Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco' at http://www.karger.com/?doi=442741.</jats:p