Systematic review of the impact of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents on fatigue in dialysis patients

Abstract

Partial correction of anemia with ESA results in improvement of fatigue among patients on dialysis, most strikingly in those patients with baseline Hb levels <10 g/dL.

Can Doping be a Good Thing? Using Psychoactive Drugs to Facilitate Physical Activity Behaviour

“…erythropoietin) can be a good thing when used for appropriate medical reasons (e.g. to combat anaemia and fatigue in dialysis patients) [57]. The current pandemic of physical inactivity [58] and the associated burden of disease [2] seem to me valid medical reasons for more psychobiological, clinical and ethical research on the use of psychoactive drugs to facilitate physical activity behaviour.…”

2015 Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy: Guidelines for Renal Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease

“…In randomized controlled trials (RCTs), it was found that the vitality score [20], frequency of blood transfusion [21], and fatigue score [22] in the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) of QOL assessment were improved with the increase in Hb level. Although the results of some meta-analyses and the re-analysis of RCTs that have been recently published negate the idea that high Hb levels improve QOL [23][24][25], they suggested that QOL can be improved when Hb levels are increased up to 10 g/dL in patients with Hb levels <10 g/dL [23].…”

The HIF System Response to ESA Therapy in CKD‐Anemia

“…The use of ESA has beneficial effects by correcting anemia and their associated symptoms and improving patients' quality of life [50,51]. However, the effects of ESA on the progression of renal function are controversial.…”