The First Report of The Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension (SLANH) Anemia Committee in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Anemia almost invariably occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease. Limited data are available regarding anemia management in Latin American (LA) hemodialysis (HD) patients. Objective: To evaluate the results of the first anemia survey of the Anemia Committee of the SLANH. Methods: This is a multinational, voluntary survey that collected anemia management data from adult HD patients from independent, non-chain owned HD units, between 09/2009 and 03/2010. T-test, ANOVA, chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: The survey received responses from 134 HD units of 16 countries providing data from 9,025 patients. Mean values of Hb, ferritin, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were 10.5±1.8g/dL, 570±539μg/l, and 29.8±15%, respectively. Only 32.7% of patients were within the Hb target of 10.5-12.0g/dL (46.3% were below and 21.1% above). Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) were administered to 84.3% patients and 68.3% received intravenous iron (IV). Iron deficiency (TSAT≤20%) was present in 27.5% patients and among those receiving erythropoietin, 47% did not achieve Hb target. The independent variables associated with the lowest Hb level (