Integrated Studies in Vascular Reactivity and Anemia Correction Therapy in Endstage Kidney Disease Patients

Vascular disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), of which a large proportion is diabetic. Diabetics have complex and multiple reasons for vascular disease, and there is accumulating evidence of associated poor endothelial cell function, particularly in those with kidney disease. One important mechanism through which this might occur relates to changes in shear rate and stress resulting from different viscosity levels. Such fluctuations are increasingly recognized to affect endothelial cell function and hence vessel-wall adaptability in both the short and long term.

Little is known of the consequence of different shear effects on endothelial cell function at various hemoglobin levels in kidney disease. There is some evidence to suggest however that, in the presence of micro-vascular disease, a relative anemia, with associated lower viscosity and shear stress, may be of benefit compared to higher hemoglobin levels.

Diabetics account for almost 40% of dialysis patients worldwide, and are the fastest growing component of the epidemic of CKD. Thus, an understanding of optimal treatment targets for anemia therapy, and the impact of different target levels of hemoglobin on vascular wall function is imperative.