Low Hemoglobin Group Research Articles

Association of low hemoglobin at birth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm neonates ≤28 weeks' gestation: a retrospective cohort study.

To compare neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18-24 months corrected age (CA) for preterm infants who had hemoglobin levels <120 g/l versus those with hemoglobin level ≥120 g/l at birth. We included infants of ≤28 weeks gestational age (GA) born between January 2009 and June 2018. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 18-24 months. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the association. Of the 2351 eligible neonates, 351 (14.9%) had hemoglobin levels <120 g/L at birth. Of the 2113 surviving infants, 1534 (72.5%) underwent developmental follow-up at 18-24 months CA. There was no statistically significant difference in ND outcomes between the two groups. The composite outcome of death or NDI was significantly higher in the low hemoglobin group. In preterm infants ≤28 weeks GA, initial hemoglobin <120 g/L at birth was not associated with neurodevelopmental impairment at 18-24 months CA among survivors.

Higher hemoglobin levels using darbepoetin alfa and kidney outcomes in advanced chronic kidney disease without diabetes: a prespecified secondary analysis of the PREDICT trial.

In the primary analysis of the PREDICT trial, a higher hemoglobin target (11-13g/dl) with darbepoetin alfa did not improve renal outcomes compared with a lower hemoglobin target (9-11g/dl) in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) without diabetes. Prespecified secondary analyses were performed to further study the effects of targeting higher hemoglobin levels on renal outcomes. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 8-20ml/min/1.73m2 without diabetes were randomly assigned 1:1 to the high- and low-hemoglobin groups. The differences between the groups were evaluated for the following endpoints and cohort sets: eGFR and proteinuria slopes, assessed using a mixed-effects model in the full analysis set and the per-protocol set that excluded patients with off-target hemoglobin levels; the primary endpoint of composite renal outcome, evaluated in the per-protocol set using the Cox model. In the full analysis set (high hemoglobin, n = 239; low hemoglobin, n = 240), eGFR and proteinuria slopes were not significantly different between the groups. In the per-protocol set (high hemoglobin, n = 136; low hemoglobin, n = 171), the high-hemoglobin group was associated with reduced composite renal outcome (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.43-0.96) and an improved eGFR slope (coefficient: + 1.00ml/min/1.73m2/year; 95% confidence interval: 0.38-1.63), while the proteinuria slope did not differ between the groups. In the per-protocol set, the high-hemoglobin group demonstrated better kidney outcomes than the low-hemoglobin group, suggesting a potential benefit of maintaining higher hemoglobin levels in patients with advanced CKD without diabetes. Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT01581073).

Differential Impact of Thrombocytopenia and Anemia on Myelofibrosis (MF) Symptom Burden

Background: Cytopenias are associated with worse survival and symptoms in patients with MF. Patients with thrombocytopenia (platelet counts <100 x109/L) have worse quality of life and higher symptom burden based on the MPN Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (TSS) instrument, particularly in the areas of fatigue, inactivity, and early satiety. However, thrombocytopenia and anemia frequently co-occur, and it is unknown to what extent the association between thrombocytopenia and symptom burden is driven by anemia. In this analysis of TSS data from two randomized trials, we sought to understand the differential impact of thrombocytopenia and anemia on symptom burden. Methods: Data from PERSIST-1 (Phase 3; NCT01773187) and PAC203 (Phase 2; NCT04884191) were included, as both studies enrolled patients irrespective of baseline hemoglobin (HB) or platelet (PLT) count. Patients were included if they had not received prior ruxolitinib within 30 days prior to randomization. The TSS version completed by patients was v1.0 for the first 55% of patients enrolling on PERSIST-1 and v2.0 for the remainder of PERSIST-1 and all PAC203. All symptoms in TSS v2.0 were assessed, as were symptoms that were common between v1.0 and v2.0. Symptoms scores were compared between patients with low platelets only (PLT count <100x109/L and HB ≥8 g/dL) and low HB only (PLT count ≥100x109/L and HB <8 g/dL). In addition, patients with both and neither counts low were analyzed. A difference in total score of 4.3 was considered the minimal clinically important difference (MCID, Mesa RA et al, J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(10):1285-92). Results: Among the 351 evaluable patients, 113 and 20 were in the low PLTs only and low HB only groups, respectively. Additionally, 25 had both low PLTs and HB, while 193 had neither low. The patients in both the low PLT and the low HB groups were divided approximately 3:1 between PERSIST-1 and PAC203. By contrast, the group with both counts low was divided approximately 1:1 between the two studies, whereas the group with neither count low was derived almost entirely from PERSIST-1 (95%) rather than from PAC203 (5%). Patients with low PLTs (vs low HB) were farther from initial MF diagnosis (3.2 vs 0.7 years), were more likely to have ECOG performance status ≥2 (23% vs 15%), and had larger median spleen volumes (2475 vs 2193 cm3). There was no difference in age (69 vs 69 years), proportion with primary MF (74% vs 75%), proportion with prior JAK inhibitor exposure (24% vs 25%), or median white blood cell count (9.8 vs 7.6 x109/L). Patients with low PLTs had consistently higher TSS scores, indicating more severe symptoms, compared to patients with low HB (Table 1). The difference in scores between the low PLT and low HB groups exceeded the MCID on PERSIST-1 TSS v1.0 (median 18.6 vs 12.2) and PAC203 (median 29.0 vs. 24.7). The higher total scores seen with low PLTs were driven by higher symptom burden in tiredness / fatigue, as well as in spleen-related symptoms (early satiety, abdominal discomfort, and left rib pain). Smaller differences were observed among the cytokine-related symptoms (night sweats, itching, and bone pain), with higher scores observed in the low HB group. Discussion: These data suggest that anemia may not be the sole driver of symptom burden among patients with cytopenic MF. Surprisingly, patients with isolated thrombocytopenia appear to have more profound symptom burden than those with isolated anemia. While anemia is often associated with reduced physical function and increased fatigue, our data show that isolated thrombocytopenia has a profound impact on tiredness and fatigue in the setting of MF. The mechanism underlying the association between thrombocytopenia and MF symptoms is not known, though thrombocytopenia is a strong marker of advanced disease. While this analysis is limited by smaller sample size for some groups, these data highlight the specific symptom profile of patients with MF who have isolated thrombocytopenia, as compared to patients with isolated anemia. In turn, patients with MF and thrombocytopenia may benefit from symptom- and disease-targeting therapy. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics of patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease at high and low altitude areas

Objective: To explore differences in clinical characteristics and hemoglobin levels between different age groups in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) at high and low altitude areas, so as to provide a basis for further research on the effect of chronic hypoxia on MAFLD. Methods: Liver function indexes, non-invasive fibrosis indexes, metabolic indexes, and routine blood test of 1 458 (Xining area of Qinghai province) and 1 633 cases (Huzhou area, Zhejiang province) with MAFLD who underwent physical examination were retrospectively analyzed. The total population of the two places were compared and analyzed with the hemoglobin reference limit of 180 g/L. The population of Xining was divided into high and low hemoglobin groups for comparative analysis. The population of the two places was divided into five groups according to age stratification (≤30 years old, 31-40 years old, 41-50 years old, 51-60 years old, ≥61 years old). After multivariate adjustment, the characteristics of high and low hemoglobin groups and MAFLD were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed with t-test or χ2 test. Results: The detected indexes values observed were higher in Xining than Huzhou area population [fibrosis indexes (FIB4, 1.08±0.02 vs. 1.19±0.02), erythrocyte (5.14±0.13 vs. 5.30±0.13), hemoglobin (156.82±0.37 vs. 164.19± 0.39), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 33.70±0.66 vs. 43.68±0.70), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, 24.34±0.28 vs. 29.23±0.30), γ-glutamyltransferase (42.40±1.02 vs. 51.82±1.53), alkaline phosphatase (77.92±0.56 vs. 84.63±0.85), triglyceride (TG, 2.07±0.04 vs. 2.74±0.05), uric acid (UA, 383.42±2.15 vs. 406.44±2.36)]. The detected indexes values observed were higher in Huzhou than Xining area population [platelet count (220.54±1.32 vs. 181.62±1.40), total cholesterol (TC, 5.10±0.02 vs. 5.04±0.03), fasting blood glucose (FBG, 5.67±0.04 vs. 5.29±0.04)]. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). Xining population UA and body mass index were increased in high hemoglobin group than low hemoglobin group, and the other parameters difference were not statistically significant. After the population in Xining was grouped by age, high and low FIB4, ALT, and AST and UA levels were detected in the age group of 31-40 and 51-60 years old, >61 years old, 31-40 years old, and the difference between hemoglobin groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: Patients with MAFLD are more likely to develop fibrosis, liver function impairment, metabolic disorders and so on under high-altitude hypoxic environment. Additionally, there is certain correlation with disease severity and age changes, suggesting that chronic hypoxia can accelerate MAFLD progression.

Correcting anemia and native vitamin D supplementation in kidney transplant recipients: a multicenter, 2×2 factorial, open-label, randomized clinical trial.

Anemia and vitamin D deficiency are associated with allograft failure, and hence, are potential therapeutic targets among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We conducted a multicenter, two-by-two factorial, open-label, randomized clinical trial to examine the effects of anemia correction and vitamin D supplementation on 2-year change in eGFR among KTRs (CANDLE-KIT). We enrolled 153 patients with anemia and >1-year history of transplantation across 23 facilities in Japan, and randomly assigned them to either a high or low hemoglobin target (>12.5 vs. <10.5g/dl) and to either cholecalciferol 1000IU/day or control. This trial was terminated early based on the planned interim intention-to-treat analyses (α=0.034). Among 125 patients who completed the study, 2-year decline in eGFR was smaller in the high vs. low hemoglobin group (i.e., -1.6±4.5 vs. -4.0±6.9ml/min/1.73m2 ; P=0.021), but did not differ between the cholecalciferol and control groups. These findings were supported by the fully adjusted mixed effects model evaluating the rate of eGFR decline among all 153 participants. There were no significant between-group differences in all-cause death or the renal composite outcome in either arm. In conclusion, aggressive anemia correction showed a potential to preserve allograft kidney function.

Impact of low serum hemoglobin on development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE).

To assess the association between low hemoglobin (Hb) level and development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). A retrospective analysis was performed on 284 patients undergoing 503 consecutive sessions of TACE. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to reduce the influence of the difference in variables in normal and low hemoglobin groups. Risk factors of CIN were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The relation between Hb level and CIN development was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. CIN developed in 5.6% patients after TACE. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension, Hb and serum creatinine (Scr) were independent risk factors for the development of post-TACE CIN. Grouped by normal or low Hb, the incidence of CIN was 14.6% (16/110) in the low Hb group and 3.4% (4/116) in the normal Hb group after PSM. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Hb, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were independent risk factors for the development of post-TACE CIN. The optimal cut-off point at which the Hb concentration resulted in a high probability of developing CIN was 105.5g/L in males. Low Hb is an independent risk factor for post-TACE CIN. Therefore, HCC patients with low Hb levels should be closely monitored before and during TACE.

The severity of anemia does not correlate with the risk of gastrointestinal cancer in subsequent evaluation

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a risk factor for gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. Little is known regarding the correlation between the depth of anemia and the risk for GI malignancy. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that very low hemoglobin levels pose an additional risk compared to low hemoglobin levels.Methods: Patients 40–70 years old, presenting to the ER with IDA during years 2016–2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Comparison was performed between two groups, one with a very low hemoglobin level (below 8 g/dL) and the other a low hemoglobin level (between 8–10 g/dL).Results: 1020 patients were analyzed, and 107 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seventy-five patients (70%) were in the very low hemoglobin group and 21 patients (19.6%) were diagnosed with a new GI malignancy. Mean age was 56, 49 (45%) were females, and 68 (63%) underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or/and colonoscopy during the index hospitalization. The median hemoglobin and MCV were 7.3 G/dL, and 73 fL, respectively. New malignancies were found in 15/75 (20%) and 6/32 (19%) of patients with very low and low hemoglobin levels, respectively (p = .88). GI malignancies were more commonly found in females compared to males, 14 (29%) vs. 7 (12%), p = .032, respectively. The right colon was the most common site for malignancy. Active GI bleeding was not a risk factor for GI malignancy.Conclusions: Very low hemoglobin levels and overt GI bleeding do not pose an additional risk factor for GI malignancy, compared to low hemoglobin levels and no overt GI bleeding.

Darbepoetin Alfa in Patients with Advanced CKD without Diabetes: Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Large, randomized, controlled trials targeting higher hemoglobin level with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for Western patients with CKD showed harm. However, the effect of anemia correction using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may differ between CKD subpopulations. The Prevention of ESKD by Darbepoetin Alfa in CKD Patients with Non-diabetic Kidney Disease study, a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study, aimed to examine the effect of targeting hemoglobin levels of 11-13 g/dl using darbepoetin alfa with reference to a low-hemoglobin target of 9-11 g/dl on kidney outcome in patients with advanced CKD without diabetes in Japan. We enrolled 491 patients with CKD without diabetes, and an eGFR of 8-20 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Of these 491 patients, 239 and 240 were ultimately assigned to the high- and low-hemoglobin groups, respectively (12 patients were excluded). The primary outcome was a kidney composite end point (starting maintenance dialysis, kidney transplantation, eGFR≤6 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and 50% reduction in eGFR). Mean hemoglobin levels were 11.2±1.1 and 10.0±0.9 g/dl in the high- and low-hemoglobin groups, respectively, during the mean study period of 73.5±29.7 weeks. The kidney composite end point occurred in 105 (44%) and 116 (48%) patients in the high- and low-hemoglobin groups, respectively (log-rank test; P=0.32). The adjusted Cox proportional hazards model showed that the hazard ratio for the high- versus low-hemoglobin group was 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.60 to 1.03; P=0.08). Cardiovascular events occurred in 19 (8%) and 16 (7%) patients in each group, respectively, with no significant between-group difference (log-rank test; P=0.66). Targeting a higher hemoglobin level (11-13 g/dl) with darbepoetin alfa did not improve kidney outcome compared with targeting a lower hemoglobin level (9-11 g/dl) in patients with advanced CKD without diabetes. Prevention of ESKD by Darbepoetin Alfa in CKD Patients with Non-diabetic Kidney Disease (PREDICT), NCT01581073.

The prognostic value of routine preoperative blood parameters in muscle-invasive bladder cancer

BackgroundA routine blood examination is one of the most rapid, convenient and inexpensive clinical examinations that can reflect a patient’s inflammatory status and other blood conditions, and the prognostic value of routine preoperative blood parameters in MIBC patients is still unclear, so we evaluated the prognostic value of routine preoperative blood parameters in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) following radical cystectomy (RC).MethodsData on 202 patients with MIBC who underwent RC at our institution were retrospectively collected between October 2007 and August 2018. The median preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and hemoglobin (HGB) values were used as cutoffs to form the low and high NLR, low and high PLR, and low and high HGB groups, respectively. The clinicopathologic characteristics of each group were compared by chi-square and t tests. Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to analyze prognosis.ResultsThe median NLR, PLR and HGB values were 2.42, 112 and 125 g/L, respectively. Kaplan-Meier results showed that the low HGB group had poor progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). A high NLR and high PLR groups correlated only with poor OS. Multivariate Cox analyses showed that pathological T3/4 stage, positive lymph node status and low HGB were independent risk factors for PFS, CSS and OS, and age was the only independent risk factor for OS.ConclusionPreoperative peripheral blood HGB is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of MIBC patients. These data suggest that HGB may be a useful prognostic marker for MIBC patients undergoing RC.

Hemoglobin Concentration Affects Hypertensive Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage After Surgery: Correlation Analysis in a High-Altitude Region

Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage leads to greater mortality and worse functional outcomes at high altitudes. Experimental studies have suggested that hemoglobin can lead to increased perihemorrhagic edema after intracerebral hemorrhage. Patients were divided into a high-hemoglobin (H-H) group (>180 g/L) and a low-hemoglobin (L-H) group (≤180 g/L). The distance from the cortex to the midline was used to indicate the degree of edema. At 1, 7, 14, and 21 days, the patients' status was scored using the Glasgow coma scale, and survival was plotted using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the difference between the postoperative and preoperative Glasgow coma scale score correlated with the hemoglobin concentration. The Glasgow outcome scale was used to assess neurological recovery after 6 months. On days 7, 14, and 21, the edema of the H-H group was significantly greater than that of the L-H group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). The edema of the H-H group peaked at 14 and 21 days, but that of the L-H group peaked at 7 days. The hemoglobin concentration and postoperative neurological recovery had a linear relationship in the H-H group. The L-H group had greater survival compared with the H-H group (P < 0.05). The L-H group had higher Glasgow outcome scale scores compared with the H-H group (P < 0.05). The hemoglobin concentration affects the mortality and morbidity from hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in high-altitude regions, and a linear relationship exists between hemoglobin concentration and neurological recovery in the H-H group.

Influence of Hemoglobin Level on Muscle and Physical Functions, Activities of Daily Living, and Quality of Life in Patients With Hematological Malignancies.

Purpose. Patients with hematological malignancies often present with reduced muscle and physical functions, which are caused by the disease or related treatment. Moreover, patients with hematological malignancies rapidly develop low hemoglobin levels, and this may affect muscle and physical functions. This study aimed to identify the influence of hemoglobin levels on muscle and physical functions in patients with hematological malignancies. Methods. Using a cross-sectional study design, this study included 60 patients with hematological malignancies (mean age = 68.0 ± 10.2 years, women 56.7%) who were hospitalized for chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-related side effects and underwent examination for skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscle strength, physical function, activities of daily living (ADLs), psychological status, and quality-of-life (QOL), including physical symptoms. Participants were divided into 3 groups according to tertiles of hemoglobin levels: low (n = 19), middle (n = 20), and high (n = 21). Evaluation items were compared among the 3 groups. Results. There was no significant difference among the 3 groups in terms of SMM. The low hemoglobin group showed significantly higher values of fatigue and dyspnea and lower values of muscle strength, ADLs, and QOL than the high hemoglobin group. Conclusions. Hemoglobin levels did not affect SMM; however, muscle weakness, decrease in physical function, physical symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea, and decline in ADLs and QOL were observed in patients with low hemoglobin levels.

The Effect of Hemoglobin on Psychological Well-Being and Academic Achievement of Urban College Female Students

The present study attempts to explore the differences in Academic Achievement and Psychological Well Being and its components – Satisfaction, Efficiency, Sociability, Mental Health, and Interpersonal Relations in low and moderate level of hemoglobin of urban College female students. It also tries to find out how hemoglobin, Psychological well –being and academic achievement correlate to each other. For this study 200 (100 low hemoglobin level and 100 moderate hemoglobin level) college female students were selected by random sampling method. This sample is collected from the project ‘Health awareness and hemoglobin improvement programme’, which is being collaboratively conducted by ‘ Akshyabhasha , MESA, U.S.A. and Smt. M.G. Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Sangli, Maharashtra, India. Psychological Well-Being Scale was used to collect the data. Students’ academic achievement was collected through college record and hemoglobin level of female students was collected from project record. Data was analyzed by using independent‘ t ’ test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The finding of the study revealed significant differences between low hemoglobin and moderate hemoglobin groups regarding efficiency and mental health. No significant difference was observed on satisfaction, sociability and interpersonal relations. It is also found that there is significant difference between low hemoglobin and moderate hemoglobin groups on academic achievement. The study revealed positive correlation between hemoglobin and academic achievement and Psychological well-being and academic achievement. Moderate hemoglobin level creates more efficiency, better mental health and good academic achievement in female students. One could say that there is significant role hemoglobin plays in Psychological well being and academic achievement of college female students. Anemia is widely prevalent in all the states if India among all age groups. In India, college girls contribute major portion of population. It has been reported that 80%female population has hemoglobin deficiency, due to illiteracy of female, family structure, status of women, diet habits, gender discrimination and various superstitions. The deficiency of hemoglobin affects physical and mental health, general behavior and academic performance of students. This study is useful to educational managements, counselors, parents, students and Government also. In the development of student’s personality physical as well as Psychological health is essential. This research findings will create awareness about physical and mental health among people and society.

Qualitative and quantitative validation of the FACIT-fatigue scale in iron deficiency anemia.

BackgroundFatigue is a burdensome symptom in iron deficiency anemia (IDA). To capture the severity and impact of fatigue appropriately it must be measured using validated scales. This study evaluated the content validity and psychometric validity of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - fatigue scale (FACIT-fatigue) in IDA patients.MethodsQualitative patient interviews were conducted in the United States to evaluate content validity. The psychometric properties of the FACIT-fatigue scale were investigated using data from a phase 3 clinical trial assessing ferumoxytol in patients with a history of unsatisfactory oral iron therapy or in whom oral iron cannot be used. The statistical analysis assessed the acceptability, reliability, validity and responsiveness of the FACIT-fatigue scale.ResultsQualitative interviews showed that fatigue is a central concern to IDA patients and that the FACIT-fatigue scale sufficiently assessed this construct. Psychometric assessment demonstrated that the FACIT-fatigue scale was stable over time (ICC = 0.87) and internally consistent (α = 0.93). The scale demonstrated convergence with other conceptually relevant scales such as SF-36 Vitality (r = 0.74), and distinguished between known groups [i.e., treatment arms (mean difference (95 % CI) = 3.56 (1.68, 5.43), p <0.001) and high vs. low hemoglobin groups (mean difference (95 % CI) = 5.51 (8.59, 2.44) p <0.001)]. Responsiveness was also demonstrated; significant improvements in FACIT-fatigue scale scores corresponded with significant differences between minimal, moderate, and much improved vitality cohorts (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis research demonstrated that the FACIT-fatigue scale has sound measurement properties and is an appropriate and interpretable assessment of fatigue among IDA patients with various underlying conditions.

Impact of Low Hemoglobin on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) is an iatrogenic disorder, resulting from exposure to contrast media. The aim of this study was to assess whether anaemia is a predictor of contrast induced nephropathy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Methods: This was a prospective observational study. A total of one hundred patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria who underwent (PCI) Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty with stenting, were studied during the study period of two years from January 2008 to December 2009. Patients were divided into two groups : Group-I (n=50), patients with low hemoglobin (male &lt;13-10gm/dl, female &lt; 12-10 gm/dl) and Group-II (n=50), patients with normal hemoglobin (male ?13gm/dl, female ?12gm/dl). Non-ionic low-osmolar contrast agents was used in all patients.Volume of contrast medium (ml) was recorded. Adequate hydration given intravenously (ml). Prior to procedure serum creatinine, serum electrolytes and Creatinine clearance rate were measured within 24 hrs before PCI and on days 1,2,3 after PCI. If there is renal impairment (CIN) serum creatinine, serum electrolytes and Creatinine clearance rate were measured daily from the 4th day onward after PCI until recovery. Results: The mean serum creatinine level of low hemoglobin group and normal hemoglobin group were 0.9mg/dl and 1mg/dl respectively at base line. The low hemoglobin group experienced a considerable increase in serum creatinine up to 1.5mg/dl at day 3 compared to 1.3 mg/dl in normal hemoglobin group. When the most common definition of contrast induced nephropathy (as an increase in the serum creatinine concentration &gt;0.5 mg/dl from baseline) was used the incidence of CIN was 26% in low hemoglobin group and 8% in the normal hemoglobin group. Conclusion: preprocedural low hemoglobin is an independent determinant of increased incidence of contrast induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12226 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 30-36

Does transfusion improve the outcome for HNSCC patients treated with radiotherapy? – Results from the randomized DAHANCA 5 and 7 trials

Background. Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and a low level of hemoglobin often have a poor response to radiation that may be related to hypoxia-induced radioresistance. We have previously published the importance of hemoglobin level and the effect of transfusion by the results from the randomized DAHANCA 5 trial, including 414 patients in the analysis. Aim of the current analysis was to gain additional power by adding patients from the continued subrandomization in the DAHANCA 7 trial, now including a total of almost 1200 patients. Material and methods. Patients were randomized to treatment in the DAHANCA 5 and 7 study (nimorazole vs. placebo and five fx/week vs. six fx/week), and in addition, patients with “low” pre-irradiation hemoglobin values (females <13 g/dl; males <14.5 g/dl) were subrandomized to plus or minus transfusion. Transfusion was given with packed red blood cells with the aim to achieve a hemoglobin level in the “high” value range. Results. A total of 1166 patients were included, 701 patients had high hemoglobin levels and 465 had low hemoglobin levels. Among the low hemoglobin patients, 235 were randomized to receive transfusion. Patient characteristics and treatment arms were well balanced. In the majority of patients, transfusion resulted in increased hemoglobin levels although this decreased slightly throughout treatment as in the non-transfused patients. Overall, the patients with low hemoglobin level had a significant reduced probability of locoregional control, disease-specific and overall survival. In the low hemoglobin group, transfusion did not improve the outcome in locoregional control, disease-specific or overall survival. In multivariate analyses, HPV/p16 status, T and N classification were significant factors for all outcome measures, whereas there was no significant influence of transfusion or hemoglobin level on endpoints. Conclusion. Transfusion prior to and during radiation treatment did not improve the outcome in patients with HNSCC and low hemoglobin values, but may have a negative impact on survival.

Characteristics of hemoglobin changes and its significance in critically ill patients

To investigate characteristics of hemoglobin changes in surgical critically ill patients. One hundred and ten consecutive critically ill patients admitted to the surgical ICU of Shanghai Ruijin Hospital were prospectively included in the clinical trial from January 2004 to December 2006. And changes of hemoglobin and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were surgical critical illness, APACHE II > or = 8 points, and admission to ICU within 48 hours after onset of critical illness, except for patients with bleeding. According to hemoglobin level before transfusion, 110 patients divide into the low level hemoglobin group (< or = 100 g/L) and the high level hemoglobin group (> 100 g/L). Time interval for valley value of hemoglobin within 28 days and incidence of hypo-hemoglobin (< or = 100 g/L) were investigated; the mean hemoglobin level, mean APACHE II scores, amount of concentrated red blood cells and rate of mechanical ventilation as well as duration of ventilation within 28 days were calculated. ICU survival rate was observed. Level of hemoglobin in low level group was decreased significantly compared to high level group [(86.3 +/- 23.8) g/L vs. (112.9 +/- 20.4) g/L, P < 0.01]; and time of its valley values was shorter than that of high level group [(3 +/- 1) d vs. (5 +/- 2) d, P < 0.01]; the responding level of hemoglobin was (89.3 +/- 11.3) g/L and (110.0 +/- 12.5) g/L (P = 0.001), respectively. Incidence of hypo-hemoglobin was 92.9% in low level group and 0 in high level group within 28 days (P < 0.01). Hemoglobin level of high level group was significantly higher than that of low level group within 28 days [(120.2 +/- 12.5) g/L vs. (89.3 +/- 11.3) g/L, P < 0.05], and the total amount of blood transfusion in high level group was less significantly than that of low level group [(12.4 +/- 10.1) U vs. (24.0 +/- 15.6) U, P = 0.042]; mean APACHE II score in high level group was significantly lower than that of low level group [(8.7 +/- 2.4) vs. (13.2 +/- 4.3), P < 0.001]; rate of mechanical ventilation was no difference (56.4% vs. 52.7%, P = 0.765); but duration of mechanical ventilation was shorter than that of low level group [(12 +/- 5) d vs. (25 +/- 7) d, P < 0.001]. Survival rate in high level group in ICU was significantly higher than that of low level group (80.0% vs. 61.8%, P = 0.036). Prolonged hypo-hemoglobin level (< or = 100 g/L) and valley value in advance suggest bad prognosis.

Effect of hemoglobin on transfusion and neonatal adaptation in extremely low‐birthweight infants

The aim of the present paper was to investigate the effect of initial hemoglobin level on red blood cell transfusion and neonatal adaptation in extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants. Subjects consisted of 54 ELBW infants admitted to level III neonatal intensive care unit between 1995 and 2000, and divided into two groups based on hemoglobin level at birth. High hemoglobin was defined as hemoglobin > or =15.0 g/dL. There were no significant differences in gestational age and birthweight between the high hemoglobin group (n = 28) and low hemoglobin group (n = 26). The high hemoglobin group had decreased probability of requiring red blood cell transfusion (P < 0.05) and number of red blood cell transfusions (P < 0.05). Mortality rate in the low hemoglobin group was significantly higher compared with the high hemoglobin group (P = 0.03). In the high hemoglobin group, blood pressures during the first 24 h were significantly higher (P < 0.05) and the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage was significantly lower (P = 0.04) compared with the low hemoglobin group. The predictive variables, initial hemoglobin level (odds ratio 1.93 [decrease by 1 g/dL]) and intraventricular hemorrhage > or =III (odds ratio 21.76 [positive]) were found to be most predictive for death on logistic regression. High hemoglobin level at birth is associated with a significantly reduced requirement for red blood cell transfusion and might contribute to stabilization of blood pressure, and thus reduce mortality and the risk of severe intraventricular hemorrhage.

Correction of Anemia with Epoetin Alfa in Chronic Kidney Disease

Anemia, a common complication of chronic kidney disease, usually develops as a consequence of erythropoietin deficiency. Recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin alfa) is indicated for the correction of anemia associated with this condition. However, the optimal level of hemoglobin correction is not defined. In this open-label trial, we studied 1432 patients with chronic kidney disease, 715 of whom were randomly assigned to receive a dose of epoetin alfa targeted to achieve a hemoglobin level of 13.5 g per deciliter and 717 of whom were assigned to receive a dose targeted to achieve a level of 11.3 g per deciliter. The median study duration was 16 months. The primary end point was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for congestive heart failure (without renal replacement therapy), and stroke. A total of 222 composite events occurred: 125 events in the high-hemoglobin group, as compared with 97 events in the low-hemoglobin group (hazard ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.74; P=0.03). There were 65 deaths (29.3%), 101 hospitalizations for congestive heart failure (45.5%), 25 myocardial infarctions (11.3%), and 23 strokes (10.4%). Seven patients (3.2%) were hospitalized for congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction combined, and one patient (0.5%) died after having a stroke. Improvements in the quality of life were similar in the two groups. More patients in the high-hemoglobin group had at least one serious adverse event. The use of a target hemoglobin level of 13.5 g per deciliter (as compared with 11.3 g per deciliter) was associated with increased risk and no incremental improvement in the quality of life. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00211120 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).

Effect of Early Correction of Anemia on the Progression of CKD

This study is designed to assess the effect of early and complete correction of anemia by using recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin) alfa on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients were randomly assigned to achieve high (13 to 15 g/dL [130 to 150 g/L]) or low (11 to 12 g/dL [110 to 120 g/L]) hemoglobin-level targets during 4 months of stabilization, followed by 36 months of maintenance. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decrease was measured by using iohexol clearance. Quality of life, nutrition, and safety also were monitored. Because of labeling changes for subcutaneous administration of epoetin alfa (Eprex; Johnson and Johnson, Schaffhausen, Switzerland), the study was terminated prematurely. There were 195 patients enrolled in each group; 108 high-hemoglobin and 133 low-hemoglobin patients entered the maintenance phase. Mean maintenance duration was 7.4 months for the high-hemoglobin group and 8.3 months for the low-hemoglobin group. GFR decrease was numerically, but not statistically significantly, lower with the high-hemoglobin group (0.058 versus 0.081 mL/min/1.73 m2/mo [< 0.01 mL/s/1.73 m2/mo]). Physical quality-of-life measures showed trends (Role-Physical, P = 0.055; Physical Function, P = 0.083) or statistically significant improvement (Vitality, P = 0.042) with high hemoglobin levels at the end of the stabilization phase. Adverse events were similar between groups. Cardiovascular adverse events occurred in 25% of the high-hemoglobin and 18% of the low-hemoglobin patients (P = 0.137). Neither epoetin dosage nor hemoglobin level was associated with cardiovascular adverse events or death. These data suggest that normalization of hemoglobin levels in patients with CKD is safe. Longer duration studies are needed to clarify efficacy benefits with high hemoglobin levels.

Determination of hemoglobin levels in the finger using near infrared spectroscopy

We previously demonstrated that near-infrared spectroscopy can be used to measure blood flow. The spectrum of blood is dominated by hemoglobin. Therefore, it should be possible to determine the concentration of hemoglobin in tissue using near-infrared transmittance. We attempted to do this in the finger using a unique handheld multiple wavelength spectrophotometer. We took samples from 73 subjects and performed repeat measurements in several subjects. Hemoglobin level was determined at the time of near-infrared measurement. We performed correlation analysis between the hemoglobin values and the absorbance values. There was a strong correlation between hemoglobin levels and the 14 wavelengths (r = 0.738, n = 121, SEE = 1.7). We categorized the patients by hemoglobin level as either normal (12-16 g/dl), mildly anemic (10-12 g/dl), or moderately anemic (<10 g/dl). There were 21 patients in the low hemoglobin group, 29 in the middle range, and 23 in the normal range. The mean hemoglobin levels were 8.4 +/- 0.3 g/dl for the low group, 10.9 +/- 0.1 g/dl for the mildly anemic group, and 13.8 +/- 0.3 g/dl for the group with normal hemoglobin. There was a clear separation of absorbance values among the three groups. The major differences seen were in the midrange of the spectrum. It is encouraging that this first study of hemoglobin measurement yielded data permitting a discrimination of hemoglobin levels. It is hoped that future refinements will lead eventually to a non-invasive technique for the measurement of blood hemoglobin concentration.