Prolonged response to recombinant human erythropoietin treatment in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome at a single referral centre in Brazil

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of epoetin (EPO) alfa treatment on overall survival, event-free survival and response duration in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who were treated at a haematological referral centre in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 36 patients diagnosed with MDS and treated with EPO alfa at 30,000 to 60,000 IU per week. Clinical data were collected from medical records. The events assessed were non-response to treatment and progression to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 7 and SPSS 24 software. RESULTS: The overall survival of patients who received EPO alfa treatment was 51.64%, with a median of 65 months of treatment, and the overall survival of this group was 100% during the first 24 months. We detected a 43.5-month median event-free survival, with a response rate of 80.5%. We observed responses from 25 to 175 months. Patients with transfusion dependence and those with a high-risk stratification, as determined by the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R), the WHO classification-based Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS) and the WHO 2016, had a lower event-free survival than other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the wide use of EPO alfa in the treatment of anaemia in patients with MDS, the median response duration is approximately only 24 months. Our data provide encouraging results concerning the benefits of using EPO alfa for the improvement of the quality of life, as patients treated with EPO showed higher overall survival, event-free survival rates and longer response durations than have been previously described in the literature.

Epoetin alfa resistance in hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: a longitudinal study

Anemia is an inevitable complication of hemodialysis, and the primary cause is erythropoietin deficiency. After diagnosis, treatment begins with an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). However, some patients remain anemic even after receiving this medication. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with resistance to recombinant human erythropoietin therapy with epoetin alfa (αEPO). We performed a prospective, longitudinal study of hemodialysis patients receiving treatment with αEPO at our reference hospital from July 2015 to June 2016. Clinical data was collected, and the response to αEPO treatment was evaluated using the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI). The ERI was defined as the weekly weight-adjusted αEPO dose (U/kg per week)/hemoglobin level (g/dL). A longitudinal linear regression model was fitted with random effects to verify the relationships between clinical and laboratory data and ERI. We enrolled 99 patients (average age, 45.7 (±17.6) years; male, 51.5%; 86.8% with hypertension). The ERI showed a significant positive association with serum ferritin and C-reactive protein, percentage interdialytic weight gain, and continuous usage of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) hypertension medication. The ERI was negatively associated with serum iron and albumin, age, urea reduction ratio, and body mass index. Our findings indicate that resistance to αEPO was related to a low serum iron reserve, an inflammatory state, poor nutritional status, and continuous usage of ARBs.

Anemia em pacientes submetidos à diálise peritoneal ambulatorial: prevalência e fatores associados / Anemia in patients undergoing ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: prevalence and associated factors

Resumo Introdução: A anemia é uma complicação frequente em pacientes em diálise e poucos estudos avaliaram sua ocorrência em pacientes submetidos à diálise peritoneal (DP). Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência e fatores associados à presença de anemia em pacientes submetidos à DP de um único centro onde havia acesso irrestrito a agentes estimulantes da eritropoiese (AEE) e a suplementação de ferro intravenoso. Métodos: Estudo transversal que analisou variáveis demográficas, clínicas e laboratoriais de 120 pacientes. Anemia foi definida como hemoglobina (Hb) < 11g/dl. Resultados: Os pacientes estavam em DP por 17 meses, sendo 86% automatizada. A idade média foi de 58 ± 16,5 anos, 52% dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino e 29% diabéticos. Anemia esteve presente em 34 pacientes (28%). Quando comparados com pacientes sem anemia, aqueles com anemia recebiam maior dose de ferro (p = 0,02) e apresentavam menores triglicérides (p = 0,01). A Hb se correlacionou negativamente com as doses de ferro (r = -0,20;p = 0,03) e AEE (r = -0,23; p = 0,01), e positivamente com albumina (r = 0,38; p = 0,01), triglicérides (r = 0,24; p = 0,01) e índice de saturação da transferrina (r = 0,20; p = 0,03). Na análise múltipla, a concentração de albumina (coefβ = 0,84; 95% IC = 0,381,31;p < 0,001) e a dose de AEE (coefβ = -0,06; 95% IC = 0,00-0,00; p = 0,02) foram associadas de forma independente com a Hb. Conclusões: No presente estudo, anemia foi observada em aproximadamente 30% dos pacientes em programa de diálise peritoneal, com uso irrestrito de AEE e suplementação intravenosa de ferro. A saturação de transferrina e o estado nutricional, avaliado pela albumina, foram os fatores independentes associados à concentração de hemoglobina nesta população.

Abstract Introduction: Anemia is a common complication in dialysis patients, scare studies have evaluated anemia in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors in patients undergoing PD in a single center where patients have free access to agents stimulating erythropoiesis (ESA) and intravenous iron supplementation. Methods: Cross-sectional study analyzing the demographic, clinical and laboratory variables of 120 patients. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) < 11 g/dl. Results: Patients were on PD for 17 months, and the majority of them (86%) received automated PD. The mean age was 58 ± 16.5 years, and 52% were female and 29% were diabetes. Anemia was present in 34 (28%) patients. When compared with those without anemia, patients with anemia received a higher dose of iron (p = 0.02) and had a lower concentration of triglycerides (p = 0.01). Hb levels correlated negatively with iron (r = -0.20;p = 0.03) and ESA (r = -0.23; p = 0.01) doses and positively with albumin (r = 0.38; p = 0.01), triglycerides (r = 0.24; p = 0.01) and transferrin saturation (r = 0.20; p = 0.03). In multiple analyses, only the albumin concentration (beta = 0.84; 95% IC = 0.38-1.31;p < 0.001) and ESA dose (beta = -0.06; 95% IC = 0.00-0.00; p = 0.02) were independently associated with Hb levels. Conclusions: Almost 30% of PD patients had anemia, even with free access to erythropoietin and intravenous iron. The transferrin saturation and nutritional status assessed by albumin, were the factors associated with the occurrence of anemia in this population.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agents and Anemia in Patients with Non-dialytic Chronic Kidney Disease

Anemia is common in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Though erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have been strongly endorsed in guidelines, it is of particular financial interest. Recently, the reimbursement of ESAs in non-dialytic patients was started by the Korean National Health Insurance System. Thus, we investigated the impact of the reimbursement of ESAs on the anemia care in non-dialytic CKD patients. Medical records of patients with advanced CKD (estimated GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2) were reviewed. Use of ESAs, blood transfusion, and hemoglobin concentrations were analyzed from one year prior to reimbursement to three years following. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression to estimate the utilization prevalence ratio (PRs). A total of 1,791 medical records were analyzed. The proportion of patients receiving ESAs increased from 14.8% before reimbursement to a peak 33.6% in 1 yr after reimbursement; thereafter, ESA use decreased to 22.4% in 3 yr after reimbursement (compared with baseline; PR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.40-3.42]). In patients with Hb <10 g/dL, the proportion of receiving ESAs increased from 32.1% before reimbursement to 66.7% in 3 yr after reimbursement (compared with baseline; PR, 2.04 [95% CI, 1.25-3.32]). Mean hemoglobin concentrations were 10.06±1.54 g/dL before reimbursement and increased to 10.78±1.51 g/dL in 3 yr after the reimbursement change (P=0.001). However, the requirement of blood transfusion was not changed over time. With the reimbursement of ESAs, the advanced CKD patients were more likely to be treated with ESAs, and the hemoglobin concentrations increased.

Uso de medicamentos no primeiro trimestre de gravidez: avaliação da segurança dos medicamentos e uso de ácido fólico e sulfato ferroso / Medication use during the first trimester of pregnancy: drug safety and adoption of folic acid and ferrous sulphate

OBJETIVO: Identificar o perfil de uso de medicamentos no primeiro trimestre de gravidez com ênfase na avaliação da segurança e na adoção do ácido fólico e do sulfato ferroso por gestantes em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde da região Sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo transversal aninhado a uma coorte de gestantes. Os medicamentos foram classificados segundo a Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC), e a segurança avaliada segundo a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) e a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Foi investigado o uso/prescrição de sulfato ferroso e ácido fólico segundo o protocolo do Ministério da Saúde. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídas 212 gestantes. Dessas, 46,7% estavam em uso de medicamentos no momento do diagnóstico da gravidez e 97,6% utilizaram medicamentos no primeiro trimestre gestacional. O percentual mais elevado de automedicação ocorreu antes do início do pré-natal (64,9%). Observou-se maior exposição a medicamentos de risco D e X, segundo a classificação do FDA, antes do início do pré-natal (23,0%). Entre as gestantes, 32,5% não seguiam o protocolo de uso de ácido fólico e sulfato ferroso do Ministério da Saúde. No total, 67,9% das gestantes tiveram exposição inadequada aos medicamentos. Houve diferença entre as proporções de medicamentos utilizados segundo a ATC, e os principais grupos anatômicos identificados foram os dos medicamentos que atuam no sangue e órgãos hematopoiéticos e anti-infecciosos de uso sistêmico. Na época do diagnóstico da gravidez, observou-se expressivo uso de medicamentos que atuam no sistema geniturinário e hormônios sexuais (16,2%), como anticoncepcionais orais, o que provavelmente está relacionado ao percentual ...

PURPOSE: To identify the profile of use of medication during the first trimester of pregnancy with emphasis on safety assessment and on the adoption of folic acid and ferrous sulfate by pregnant women attended at a Basic Health Unit in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort of pregnant women. Medications were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC), and their safety was evaluated according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). The adoption of ferrous sulfate and folic acid was investigated according to the protocol set forth by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. RESULTS: The survey included 212 pregnant women, 46.7% of whom were taking medications at the time of pregnancy diagnosis, and 97.6% used medication during the first trimester after diagnosis. The highest percentage of self-medication occurred before the beginning of prenatal care (64.9%). According to the FDA criteria, there was a high level of exposure to D and X risk drugs before the beginning of prenatal care (23.0%), which was also observed for drugs not recommended by ANVISA (36.5%). Of the surveyed sample, 32.5% did not follow the protocol of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. In all, 67.9% of pregnant women had inadequate drug exposure. There was a difference between the proportions of drugs used according to the ATC, and the main anatomical groups identified were the drugs that act on blood and blood-forming organs, and anti-infective medications for systemic use. When pregnancy was diagnosed, the use of a large number of medications that act on the genitourinary system and sex hormones (16.2%) was identified, such as oral contraceptives, a fact probably related to the percentage of unplanned pregnancies (67.0%), on the same occasion 4 pregnant women used folic acid and 3 used ferrous sulphate. CONCLUSION: The present results show that a large number ...

Therapeutic mechanism of treating SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells with magnetic fluid hyperthermia using Fe2O3 nanoparticles

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of treating SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells with magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) using Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Hepatocarcinoma SMMC-7721 cells cultured in vitro were treated with ferrofluid containing Fe2O3 nanoparticles and irradiated with an alternating radio frequency magnetic field. The influence of the treatment on the cells was examined by inverted microscopy, MTT and flow cytometry. To study the therapeutic mechanism of the Fe2O3 MFH, Hsp70, Bax, Bcl-2 and p53 were detected by immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It was shown that Fe2O3 MFH could cause cellular necrosis, induce cellular apoptosis, and significantly inhibit cellular growth, all of which appeared to be dependent on the concentration of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Immunocytochemistry results showed that MFH could induce high expression of Hsp70 and Bax, decrease the expression of mutant p53, and had little effect on Bcl-2. RT-PCR indicated that Hsp70 expression was high in the early stage of MFH (<24 h) and became low or absent after 24 h of MFH treatment. It can be concluded that Fe2O3 MFH significantly inhibited the proliferation of in vitro cultured liver cancer cells (SMMC-7721), induced cell apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Fe2O3 MFH can induce high Hsp70 expression at an early stage, enhance the expression of Bax, and decrease the expression of mutant p53, which promotes the apoptosis of tumor cells.

Effect of anemia correction on left ventricular structure and filling pressure in anemic patients without overt heart disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are few data on the effects of low hemoglobin levels on the left ventricle (LV) in patients without heart disease. The objective of this study was to document changes in the echocardiographic variables of LV structure and function after the correction of anemia without significant cardiovascular disease. METHODS: In total, 34 iron-deficiency anemia patients (35 +/- 11 years old, 32 females) without traditional cardiovascular risk factors or cardiovascular disease and 34 age- and gender-matched controls were studied. Assessments included history, physical examination, and echocardiography. Of the 34 patients with anemia enrolled, 20 were followed and underwent echocardiography after correction of the anemia. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the anemia and control groups in LV diameter, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left atrial volume index (LAVI), peak mitral early diastolic (E) velocity, peak mitral late diastolic (A) velocity, E/A ratio, the ratio of mitral to mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/E'), stroke volume, and cardiac index. Twenty patients underwent follow-up echocardiography after treatment of anemia. The follow-up results showed significant decreases in the LV end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters and LVMI, compared with baseline levels. LAVI, E velocity, and E/E' also decreased, suggesting a decrease in LV filling pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Low hemoglobin level was associated with larger cardiac chambers, increased LV, mass and higher LV filling pressure even in the subjects without cardiovascular risk factors or overt cardiovascular disease. Appropriate correction of anemia decreased LV mass, LA volume, and E/E'.

Coverage and adequacy of ferrous sulfate supplementation in the prevention of anemia among children treated at health centers of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina / Cobertura y adecuacion de la suplementacion con sulfato ferroso en la prevencion de anemia entre ninos atendidos en centros de salud informatizados de Florianopolis, Santa Catarina (Brasil) / Cobertura e adequacao da suplementacao com sulfato ferroso na prevencao de anemia em criancas atendidas em centros de saude de Florianopolis, Santa Catarina

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the National Program of Iron Supplementation (PNSF) coverage, the compliance with the directions for of using of this supplementation and the association with sociodemographic factors in children aged six to 18 months old and registered in 35 public health centers of Florinópolis (Southern Brazil). METHODS Cross-sectional study using secondary data obtained from the health information system of the Health Department of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil (Infosaúde). Data on ferrous sulfate supplementation and sociodemographic variables were obtained of all children registered in PNSF in Florianópolis in 2010. STATA 11.0 software was used in the analyses. RESULTS The PNSF covered 6.3% (95%CI 5.9-6.7) of the children; the compliance with the directions regarding age at the onset of supplementation and its frequency was adequate only in 2.4% of the cases (95%CI 1.5-3.7). There was no association with the child's gender, maternal education level and ethnicity or the distance from home to the health center. CONCLUSIONS This study showed low coverage and inadequate compliance with the PNSF directions. Measures to improve this strategy are urgent. .

OBJETIVO Evaluar la cobertura del Programa Nacional de Suplementación de Ferro (PNSF), el cumplimiento de la normativa de utilización de la suplementación y la asociación con factores sociodemográficos en niños de 6 a 18 meses atendidos en 35 centros de salud informatizados de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina (Brasil). MÉTODOS Estudio transversal con datos secundarios obtenidos del sistema de informaciones en salud de la Secretaría Municipal de Salud de Florianópolis (Infosaúde). Se obtuvieron informaciones sociodemográficas y sobre la suplementación con sulfato ferroso de todos los niños registrados en el PNSF en Florianópolis, en 2010. Se utilizó el software STATA 11.0 en los análisis. RESULTADOS La cobertura del PNSF en niños fue igual a 6,3% (IC95% 5,9-6,7), entre los que la normativa de la edad de inicio y la periodicidad de la suplementación se cumplió en solamente un 2,4% (IC95% 1,5-3,7) de los casos. No hubo asociación con el sexo del niño, la escolaridad y el color de la piel materna, tampoco con la distancia del domicilio al centro de salud. CONCLUSIONES El estudio mostró cobertura baja e inadecuación en el cumplimiento de las normativas del PNSF, siendo urgente la adopción de medidas que mejoren esa estrategia. .

OBJETIVO Avaliar a cobertura do Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Ferro (PNSF), o cumprimento da normativa de utilização da suplementação e a associação com fatores sociodemográficos em crianças de seis a 18 meses de idade, atendidas em 35 centros de saúde de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal com dados secundários obtidos do sistema de informações em saúde da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Florianópolis (Infosaúde). Obtiveram-se informações sociodemográficas e sobre a suplementação com sulfato ferroso de todas as crianças cadastradas no PNSF em Florianópolis em 2010. Utilizou-se o software STATA 11.0 nas análises. RESULTADOS A cobertura do PNSF em crianças foi igual a 6,3% (IC95% 5,9-6,7), entre as quais a normativa da idade de início e a periodicidade da suplementação foi cumprida apenas em 2,4% (IC95% 1,5-3,7) dos casos. Não houve associação com o sexo da criança, a escolaridade e a cor da pele materna, nem com a distância do domicílio ao centro de saúde. CONCLUSÕES O estudo mostrou cobertura baixa e inadequação no cumprimento das normativas do PNSF, sendo urgente a adoção de medidas que melhorem essa estratégia. .

Anemia, insuficiência cardíaca e manejo clínico baseado em evidências / Anemia, heart failure and evidence-based clinical management

A anemia é uma comorbidade prevalente e marcadora de pior prognóstico em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Sua relevância clínica, bem como a fisiopatologia e abordagem terapêutica nesses pacientes são temas de destaque na literatura especializada. Nessa revisão são descritos os conceitos atuais sobre a fisiopatologia da anemia na IC, os critérios diagnósticos e as indicações da suplementação de ferro, ao mesmo tempo em que são analisados criticamente os principais estudos que ofereceram evidências sobre os benefícios dessa suplementação. São abordados os quatro componentes principais da anemia: doença crônica, dilucional, "renal" e disabsortiva. Nos pacientes com IC, os critérios para o diagnóstico são os mesmos utilizados na população geral: níveis de ferritina sérica inferiores a 30 mcg/L em pacientes não nefropatas e menores que 100 mcg/L ou ferritina sérica entre 100-299 mcg/L com saturação de transferrina menor que 20% em pacientes com doença renal crônica. Finalmente, são discutidas as possibilidades terapêuticas da anemia nessa população específica de pacientes.

Anemia is a prevalent comorbidity and marker of a poorer prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Its clinical relevance, as well as its pathophysiology and the clinical management of these patients are important subjects in the specialized literature. In the present review, we describe the current concepts on the pathophysiology of anemia in HF, its diagnostic criteria, and the recommendations for iron supplementation. Also, we make a critical analysis of the major studies showing evidences on the benefits of this supplementation. The four main components of anemia are addressed: chronic disease, dilutional, "renal" and malabsorption. In patients with HF, the diagnostic criteria are the same as those used in the general population: serum ferritin levels lower than 30 mcg/L in patients without kidney diseases and lower than 100 mcg/L or serum ferritin levels between 100-299 mcg/L with transferring saturation lower than 20% in patients with chronic kidney diseases. Finally, the therapeutic possibilities for anemia in this specific patient population are discussed.

Erythropoietin Improves Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Previous studies reported the beneficial effect of erythropoietin (EPO) in acute injuries. We followed patients with and without acute kidney injury (AKI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and evaluated the effect of EPO on long-term outcome. We also assessed the efficacy of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) as a predictive marker of AKI. Seventy-one patients scheduled for elective CABG were randomly given either 300 U/kg of EPO or saline before CABG. The primary outcome was AKI, and the secondary outcome was the all-cause-mortality and composite of all-cause-mortality and end stage renal disease (ESRD). Twenty-one patients had AKI, 14 (66.7%) in the placebo group and 7 (33.3%) in the EPO group (P = 0.05). Also, uNGAL was higher in the patients with AKI than in those without AKI at baseline, 2, 4, 24, and 72 hr after CABG (P = 0.011). Among patients with AKI, 2-week creatinine (Cr) was not different from baseline Cr in the EPO group, but 2-week Cr was significantly higher than baseline Cr in the placebo group (P = 0.009). All-cause-mortality (P = 0.022) and the composite of all-cause-mortality and ESRD (P = 0.003) were reduced by EPO. EPO reduces all-cause-mortality and ESRD in patients with AKI, largely due to the beneficial effect of EPO on recovery after AKI.

Current Status of Dialysis Therapy in Korea

The number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is rising very rapidly as the number of elderly and patients with diabetes increases in Korea. ESRD Registry Committee of the Korean Society of Nephrology (KSN) collected dialysis therapy data in Korea through an online registry program on the KSN website. The status of renal replacement therapy in Korea at the end of 2009 was as follows. First, total number of patients with ESRD was 56,396 (hemodialysis [HD], 37,391; peritoneal dialysis [PD], 7,618; functioning kidney transplant [KT], 11,387). The prevalence of ESRD was 1,113.6 patients per million population (PMP). Proportion of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy was 66.3% with HD, 13.5% with PD, and 20.2% with KT. Second, a total of 8,906 (HD, 6,540; PD, 1,125; KT, 1,241; incidence rate of 175.9 PMP) patients developed ESRD in 2009. Third, the most common primary causes of ESRD were diabetic nephropathy (45.4%), hypertensive nephrosclerosis (18.3%), and chronic glomerulonephritis (11.1%). Fourth, mean urea reduction rate was 67.5% and 73.8% in male and female patients, respectively, undergoing HD. Mean Kt/V was 1.38 in male patients and 1.65 in female patients. Fifth, the overall 5-year survival rate of male patients undergoing dialysis was 65.4% and that of female patients was 67.4%.

Variação dos níveis de hemoglobina de pacientes em hemodiálise tratados com eritropoetina: uma experiência brasileira / Hemoglobin levels in hemodialysis patients treated with epoetin: a Brazilian experience

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a variabilidade dos níveis de hemoglobina (Hb) em pacientes em hemodiálise (HD) tratados com eritropoetina. MÉTODOS: Foram coletados dados retrospectivos de 249 pacientes que estavam em HD e apresentavam, nos três meses anteriores, média de Hb entre 10,5 g/dL e 12,5 g/dL. O período de observação total foi de 36 meses. A cada mês de coleta, classificaram-se os valores de Hb em: < 10,5g/dL, 10,5g/dL< Hb< 12,5g/dL (intervalo alvo), ou Hb >12,5g/dL. Além disto, os pacientes foram divididos em seis categorias de variabilidade da Hb: baixo persistente (<10,5g/dL), alvo persistente (10,5 a 12,5 g/dL), alto persistente (>12,5g/dL), flutuação de baixa amplitude com Hb baixo, flutuações de baixa amplitude com Hb alto e flutuações de alta amplitude. RESULTADOS: Mês a mês, a média da proporção de pacientes com Hb dentro da faixa alvo foi de 50 por cento (variação, 42 por cento a 61 por cento). A proporção de valores de Hb médios acima da faixa alvo (30 por cento) foi mais frequente que a proporção abaixo do alvo (20 por cento). Durante os períodos de seis, 12, e 36 meses, a proporção de pacientes com Hb baixa persistente se reduziu de 3,6 por cento para 0 por cento; de 31,7 por cento para 2,8 por cento naqueles com Hb alta persistente; de 7,6 por cento para 0 por cento naqueles com baixa amplitude com Hb baixo; e de 41,3 por cento para 8,3 por cento nos pacientes com baixa amplitude com Hb alto. Entretanto, houve aumento na proporção de pacientes (de 21,5 por cento a 88,9 por cento) com alta amplitude de Hb. Portanto, à medida que o tempo de observação se alongou observou-se maior variabilidade dos valores de hemoglobina. Nenhum paciente manteve os níveis de Hb dentro do alvo durante todo o período do estudo. CONCLUSÃO: A manutenção da Hb dentro da faixa alvo é difícil, especialmente em períodos longos e a variabilidade ocorre mais frequentemente para valores mais elevados de Hb.

OBJECTIVE: Correction of anemia using epoetin decreases morbidity and increases survival and quality of life in end-stage renal disease. Maintaining hemoglobin levels within the range proposed by guidelines has become a major challenge, with hemoglobin cycling affecting more than 90 percent of patients undergoing hemodialysis. The variability of hemoglobin levels over time was assessed in our patients. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected on 249 patients undergoing hemodialysis over a 3-year period at seven centers in Brazil. Hemoglobin was measured at least monthly, and target levels were those between 10.5 g/dL and 12.5 g/dL. Patients were grouped into six categories of variability consistently low (<10.5g/dL), consistently target range (10.5 to 12.5 g/dL), consistently high (>12.5g/dL), low amplitude fluctuation with low hemoglobin levels, low amplitude fluctuation with high hemoglobin levels and high amplitude fluctuation. None of the patients maintained stable hemoglobin levels for the entire 36-month period. RESULTS: The mean monthly proportion of patients that had hemoglobin levels within the target range was 50 percent (range, 42 percent to 61 percent). Mean levels above the target (30 percent) were more frequent than those below it (20 percent). During 6, 12, and 36 months, proportions of patients with consistently low levels of hemoglobin decreased from 3.6 percent to 0 percent, from 31.7 percent to 2.8 percent for those with consistently high, from 7.6 percent to 0 percent for those with low amplitude fluctuation with low hemoglobin levels and from 41.3 percent to 8.3 percent for those with low amplitude fluctuation with high hemoglobin levels. However, the proportions of patients with high amplitude fluctuation increased from 21.5 percent to 88.9 percent. CONCLUSION: Maintaining hemoglobin levels within the target range is difficult, especially for longer periods of time. Missing the target seems more often due to ...

Anaemia and its response to treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease patients in Nigeria

BACKGROUND:The introduction of erythropoietin has transformed the management of anaemia in CKD, with considerable benefits which includes enhanced quality of life, increased exercise capacity and improved cardiac function. There is paucity of data on the beneficial effects of this treatment from this environment.OBJECTIVE:The aim of this work was to study the pattern and response of anaemia and its response to treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin(r-HuEpo) in CKD patients in Nigeria. METHODS:This was a prospective study in which 20 CKD patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited consecutively. Subcutaneous r-HuEpo was administered to each of the study patients, starting with a weekly dose of 50 iu per kg and titrated according to haemoglobin (Hb) response, which was monitored fortnightly throughout the study period with the aim of achieving a target Hb of 11g per dl.RESULTS:The patients studied were anaemic with mean Hb of 7.36(1.05) g/dl. The anemia was normocytic normochromic in 85% of the patients. All the patients responded to treatment with r-HuEpo with the mean Hb rising from 6.74(0.70)g per dl to 11.64(0.37) g/dl and 7.64(1.19) to 11.98(0.45) g/dl in those on maintenance haemodialysis and pre-dialysis patients respectively. The patients reached the target Hb of 11g/dl within 8 weeks in predialytic CKD patients and within 10 weeks in those on maintenance haemodialysis.CONCLUSION: Anaemia is mostly normocytic normochromic in CKD patients in our environment and r-HuEpo therapy is effective in correcting the anaemia

Prophylaxis for iron deficiency anemia using ferrous sulfate among infants followed up at a primary healthcare unit in the municipality of Embu-SP (2003/2004) / Profilaxia da anemia carencial com sulfato ferroso em lactentes acompanhados em Unidade Básica de Saúde no município de Embu (SP) (2003/2004)

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Iron deficiency anemia is an important public health problem in Brazil. In the municipality of Embu, a population study in 1996 found anemia prevalence of 68.5 percent among children aged one to two years. From these data, prescription of prophylactic ferrous sulfate was instituted in 1998 for children under two years old followed up within the children's healthcare program. After five years of intervention, the prevalence of anemia and associated factors were investigated among children aged 12 to 18 months to whom guidance for prophylactic ferrous sulfate use had been given. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study covering October 2003 to June 2004 at a primary healthcare unit in Embu. METHODS: A randomized sample of children aged 12 to 18 months to whom guidance for prophylactic ferrous sulfate use had been given was obtained. Hemoglobin was measured in capillary blood, using HemoCue® apparatus. Hemoglobin < 11 g/100 dl was taken to indicate anemia. RESULTS: The sample comprised 118 children and anemia was found in 41.5 percent. There was no statistically significant association between anemia presence and the variables of sex, birth weight, neonatal intercurrences, chronic diseases, breastfeeding or iron supplementation use. There was a statistically significant association (p = 0.03) between anemia presence and per capita income, such that the higher the income was, the lower the prevalence of anemia was. CONCLUSION: The prophylaxis program against iron deficiency anemia did not achieve the expected results. New strategies must be considered in the light of the magnitude of the problem.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A anemia ferropriva é um importante problema de saúde pública no Brasil. No município de Embu, estudo populacional realizado em 1996 verificou prevalência de anemia de 68,5 por cento em crianças de um a dois anos. A partir desses resultados, o uso de sulfato ferroso profilático foi introduzido em 1998 no Programa de Saúde da Criança para as crianças a partir do desmame até os dois anos de idade. Após cinco anos de intervenção, avaliou-se a prevalência de anemia e os fatores associados, em crianças de 12 a 18 meses de idade que receberam orientação para uso profilático de sulfato ferroso. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal analítico realizado no período de 10/2003 a 06/2004 em Unidade Básica de Saúde, Embu. MÉTODO: Amostra aleatória de crianças entre 12 a 18 meses que receberam orientação do uso de ferro profilático. Mensuração de hemoglobina em sangue capilar através do aparelho portátil HemoCue®. Hemoglobina < 11 g/100 dl foi considerada anemia. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 118 crianças. A prevalência de anemia foi de 41,5 por cento. Não foi observada associação estatisticamente significativa entre a anemia e as variáveis: sexo, peso ao nascer, intercorrências neonatais, doenças crônicas, internação anterior, aleitamento materno, uso de suplementação de ferro, estado nutricional. Verificou-se associação estatisticamente significante (p = 0,03) entre a presença de anemia e renda per capita, em que a maior renda associou-se a menor prevalência de anemia. CONCLUSÃO: O programa de profilaxia da anemia ferropriva não alcançou os resultados esperados. Novas estratégias devem ser consideradas frente à magnitude do problema.

Folic acid and phenytoin induced gingival overgrowth--is there a preventive effect.

The role of folic acid (5mg/day) in combination with oral hygiene measures (group II) vis-a-vis oral hygiene measures alone (group I) in prevention of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth was investigated in a one-year follow-up study on sixty, 8-13-year-old epileptic children receiving phenytoin. The allocation of the children to the two groups was done alternately. In these children, at baseline, plaque (Silness & Löe), gingivitis (Löe & Silness) and probing depths of gingival sulcus were recorded. These parameters were re-evaluated at 3-monthly intervals when gingival overgrowth was also recorded (Modified Harris & Ewalt Index). It was seen that, after a period of one year, gingival overgrowth occurred in 60 and 50 percent children of groups I & II respectively and its development, too, was delayed in group II. More cases (93 percent) in group II exhibited minimal overgrowth as against 78 percent in group I. The study concluded that systemic folic acid prescribed along with phenytoin delays the onset and reduces the incidence and severity of gingival overgrowth induced by phenytoin.