Haemoglobin levels and health-related quality of life in young and elderly patients on specialized predialysis care

Abstract

In predialysis patients, the optimal treatment choices for controlling haemoglobin (Hb) are unknown, because targeting high Hb levels has negative effects--poorer survival--but possible positive effects as well--better health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Moreover, these effects may be different in specific subgroups (e.g. young versus elderly). In the PREPARE-2 follow-up study, incident predialysis patients were included (2004-2011) when referred to 1 of the 25 participating Dutch outpatient clinics. HRQOL was assessed at 6-month intervals with the short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire [physical/mental summary measure and eight subscales (range 0-100)]. A linear mixed model was used to associate Hb [<11, ≥ 11 to <12 (reference), ≥ 12 to <13 and ≥ 13 g/dL] with HRQOL, stratified by prescription of anaemia medication (erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA)/iron) and age (young: <65 years and elderly: ≥ 65 years). Only elderly patients (n = 214) not prescribed ESA/iron and with a high Hb (≥ 13 versus ≥ 11 to <12 g/dL) had a statistically significant (P < 0.05) and/or clinically relevant (>3-5 points) higher physical [11.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7, 22.2] and mental (6.4, 95% CI -1.7, 14.6) summary score. High Hb was not associated with a higher HRQOL in elderly patients who were prescribed ESA/iron. However, only young patients (n = 157) prescribed ESA/iron and with a high Hb (≥ 13 versus ≥ 11 to <12 g/dL) had a higher physical (8.9, 95% CI 2.1, 15.8) and mental (6.2, 95% CI -0.4, 12.8) summary score. The association of Hb levels with HRQOL differs by age and use of ESA/iron medication on predialysis care. Therefore, medical care should aim for shared decision-making regarding the appropriate Hb target leading to more individualized care.