Background and Objective: The cardiac risk associated with renal disease in
individuals undergoing regular hemodialysis (HD) is a primary contributor to
their heightened cardiac morbidity and mortality. Mortality is often linked to the
presence and progression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Anemia
commonly accompanies chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to
assess the impact of anemia treatment using erythropoietin on cardiac
morphology and function in anemic patients with LVH who are on regular HD.
Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation was performed on 50
patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular HD therapy; all were
administered the same erythropoietin dosage. Cardiac assessments, including
echocardiographic measurements such as left ventricular end-diastolic diameter
(LVEDD), interventricular septal diameter (IVSD), posterior wall diameter
(PWD), and left ventricular mass (LVM), were utilized to appraise the extent of
LVH.
Results: The average age of participants was 55.90 ± 5.95 years, with 37 (74%)
males. Diabetes mellitus and glomerulonephritis were the predominant causes of
CKD (24% and 20%, respectively). Post-erythropoietin treatment showed a
notable elevation in hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and hematocrit
values. Additionally, significant enhancements were observed in cardiac
parameters, including LVEDD, IVSD, PWD, and LVM.
Conclusion: Cardiac evaluation in patients with ESRD, particularly those with
anemia, is imperative. Erythropoietin treatment has demonstrated substantial
benefits not only in elevating hemoglobin levels but also in improving cardiac
parameters.