Study of Erythropoietin Resistance in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Background: Erythropoietin Resistance is a significant challenge in managing anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of Erythropoietin Resistance in a CKD cohort.

Methods: A total of 70 CKD patients were evaluated for Erythropoietin Resistance. We analyzed serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, total iron-binding capacity, vitamin B12, folic acid, hemoglobin levels,hepcidin and CRP levels. We also assessed the association of these parameters with Erythropoietin Resistance using regression analysis.

Results: Erythropoietin Resistance was present in 11.4% of participants. The majority of patients with resistance were in the 61-70 years age group. Significantly higher serum iron (mean 90.88 mg/dL, p=0.003) and ferritin levels (mean 211.50 mg/dL, p=0.039) were noted in patients with resistance. Hemoglobin levels showed a marked decrease over time in the resistance group (baseline mean 8.11 g/dL, p<0.001 at 3 months). Regression analysis indicated a significant association of serum iron (OR 1.09, p=0.006) and hepcidin levels (OR 1.06, p=0.048) with Erythropoietin Resistance.

Conclusion: The study underscores the prevalence of Erythropoietin Resistance in CKD patients, particularly in older age groups, and highlights serum iron and hepcidin as key predictors. These findings suggest the potential of these markers in early diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies for anemia in CKD.

Keywords: Chronic Kidney Disease, Erythropoietin Resistance, Anemia, Serum Iron, Hepcidin, Hemoglobin Levels.