Erythropoiesis and hemolysis in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

In order to investigate the pathogenesis of renal anemia, erythroid marrow cellularity, factors affecting erythropoiesis and hemolysis, hemolysis starting point by Parpart method and red cell life-span were studied in 21 patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Mean value of serum erythropoietin level (EPO) in HD patients was 28.4 mU/ml, which value was nearly equal to that in healthy subjects. Total erythroblast count was higher than normal up to 25.2% in HD patients with Ht below 25% (A group), on the other hand, in HD patients with Ht above 25% (B group) it was 21 6%, nearly equal to normal. Total erythroblast counts positively correlated to EPO level, but did not correlate to ribonuclease, aluminium and parathyroid hormone. Red cell life-span was 23.4 days in A group, and it was 19.8 days in B group Hemolysis starting point was observed at 0.61% NaCl in B group, and at 0.56% in A group. Hemolysis starting point negatively correlated to red cell life-span, but did not correlate to BUN, serum creatinine and serum guanidino compound. Hb level negatively correlated to nuclear cell counts of bone marrow in HD patients, and positively correlated to hemolysis starting point. These results suggested that erythroblast count was controlled by both erythropoietin and hemoglobin levels in HD patients. Hemoglobin level in HD patients was maintained by balance of counteracting factors between erythropoiesis and hemolysis.