Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Erythropoietin Resistance Index in Hemodialysis Patients
<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Hemodialysis (HD) patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are highly vulnerable to complications from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anemia management in this population is complex, particularly due to erythropoietin resistance, which may be exacerbated b...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Geriatrics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3417/10/2/33 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background/Objectives:</b> Hemodialysis (HD) patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are highly vulnerable to complications from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anemia management in this population is complex, particularly due to erythropoietin resistance, which may be exacerbated by COVID-19-related inflammation. To this aim, in this small-scale retrospective study, we investigated trends in the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) over time in patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection. <b>Methods:</b> This single-center retrospective study included 25 HD patients, divided into two groups: 15 with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (CoV2 group) and 10 without (nonCoV2 group). The ERI was assessed over four visits, with 70–100-day intervals between them. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate factors associated with ERI changes. <b>Results:</b> Patients in the CoV2 group exhibited significantly higher ERI increases between T1 (baseline) and T2 (post-infection) compared to the nonCoV2 group (median ΔERI: +4.65 vs. −0.27, <i>p</i> < 0.001). During the T2–T4 recovery period, CoV2 patients demonstrated a delayed but substantial decline in the ERI, converging to baseline levels by T4. Male sex and hemoglobin levels were negatively associated with the ERI. <b>Conclusions:</b> SARS-CoV-2 infection induces transient but significant erythropoietin resistance in HD patients, likely due to inflammation and disrupted erythropoiesis. Tailored anemia management strategies, including the potential use of hypoxia-inducible factor stabilizers, are warranted. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings and improve treatment protocols. |
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| ISSN: | 2308-3417 |