2004 Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Guidelines for Renal Anemia in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients*

Abstract

The guideline committee of Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT), chaired by Professor F. Gejyo of Niigata University, now publishes an original Japanese guideline entitled 'Guidelines for Renal Anemia in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients'. It includes the re-evaluation of the usage of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) with the medical and economical arguments regarding the prognosis and the quality of life of Japanese hemodialysis patients. This guideline consists of 7 sections. The first section comprises the general definition and the differential diagnosis of anemia. The hemoglobin (Hb) level of the Japanese population seemed to be low when compared with that of the European and American populations. The second section describes the target Hb level in hemodialysis patients. Multivariate analysis of the data that were collected from dialysis institutions throughout the country showed that an Hb level of 10-11 g/dL (Ht level 30-33%) at the first dialysis session in a week is the ideal range for chronic hemodialysis patients in terms of the 3-5 year survival rate. The supine position at blood sampling and the sampling timing at the first dialysis session in a week might affect the lower setting of target Hb hematocrit (Ht), compared to that of European and American guidelines. However, we particularly recommended that an Hb level of 11-12 g/dL (Ht level from 33 to 36%) at the first dialysis session in a week is desirable in relatively young patients. In the third section, the markers of iron deficiency are discussed. The Transferin saturation test (TSAT) and serum ferritin were emphasized as the standard markers. The routes of administration of rHuEPO and its dosages are written in the fourth section. The subcutaneous route was associated with the occurrence of secondary red cell aplasia due to anti-rHuEPO antibodies; however, secondary red cell aplasia was seldom observed in the venous injection. From this fact we recommend venous injection for chronic hemodialysis patients. We advocate an initial dosage of 1500 U three times per week. The fifth section deals with the factors refractory to treatment with rHuEPO. If the patient shows an inadequate response to the usage of 9000 U per week, this condition defines the inadequate response to rHuEPO in Japan. Blood transfusion must be avoided where possible. The reasons for this and the adverse effects are interpreted in section six. In the final section, the adverse effects of rHuEPO are listed. Among them, hypertension, thrombotic events and secondary red cell aplasia were emphasized as the major complications.

Difference in Hemoglobin Concentration by Timing of Blood Sampling in Hemodialysis Patients

“…8 As compared with Hct, Hgb is seen to be a better measure to use to monitor and manage anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. 9,10 The JSDT 2004 Guideline briefl y reported that Hct levels on Mondays (the beginning day of the dialysis week) were considered to be corresponded to 99.1% of those on Wednesdays (the middle day of the dialysis week). 7 Results from the present study also demonstrated that Hct levels at the beginning day of the dialysis week were corresponded to 96.9% of those at mid-dialysis week.…”

Lower haemoglobin level and subsequent decline in kidney function in type 2 diabetic adults without clinical albuminuria

“…The presence of anaemia, defined as a haemoglobin concentration <120 g/l in women and <130 g/l in men (a sex-specific definition established by the WHO [22]), was observed in 19 (12.8%) women and 32 (10.2%) men. Using the sexand age-specific anaemia criteria in Japanese adults proposed by the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Guidelines [23], only 6 (4.0%) women and 12 (3.8%) men were diagnosed as having anaemia. Based on ADAguideline criteria [18], 126 (84.6%) women and 252 (80.0%) men were classified as having normoalbuminuria, and 23 (15.4%) women and 63 (20.0%) men were classified as having microalbuminuria; 26 (17.4%) [24].…”

International Comparisons to Assess Effects of Payment and Regulatory Changes in the United States on Anemia Practice in Patients on Hemodialysis: The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study

“…However, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) published anemia management guidelines in 2004 that recommended an Hb target level of 10-11 g/dl for most patients and 11-12 g/dl for younger, more active patients. 27 A 2008 update to the JSDT guidelines added 12 g/dl as a criterion for reducing or interrupting ESA treatment. 28 Although the distribution of lower Hb targets reported by Japanese DOPPS facilities has not changed much since 2010 ( Figure 3B), in recent years, we have observed a higher proportion of Japanese DOPPS facilities reporting upper Hb targets of 12 g/dl ( Figure 3A).…”