Increase in post-dialysis hemoglobin can be out of proportion and unrelated to ultrafiltration

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare pre-dialysis and post-dialysis hemoglobin (Hgb) and ultrafiltration in hemodialysis patients. Factors influencing Hgb are not well understood. METHODS: Pre-dialysis and post-dialysis Hgb and weight were measured in 133 hemodialysis patients. Absolute and percentage change in Hgb (%ΔHgb) and percent change in body weight (%ΔBW) were determined for that treatment. Patients were divided into 2 groups, those with post-dialysis Hgb <13 g/dL (group 1) and those with post-dialysis Hgb ≥13 g/dL (group 2); the differences in %ΔBW were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The mean pre-dialysis Hgb was 11.9 ± 1.4 g/dL, the mean post-dialysis Hgb level was 12.8 ±1.8 g/dL. The %ΔHgb was 3.9 ± 6.6 in group 1 and 10.8 ± 7.8 in group 2. The %ΔBW was 3.1 ± 1.4 in group 1 and 3.9 ± 1.7 in group 2 (p