Comparison between short- and long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in hemodialysis patients: target hemoglobin, variability, and outcome.

Purpose: Maintaining target hemoglobin (Hb) with minimal variability is a challenge in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study is to compare the long- and short-acting erythropoietin-stimulating agents such as Aranesp and Eprex in achieving these targets.

Methods: Randomized, prospective, open-labeled study of 24 weeks includes stable patients on HD >3 months, age >18 years, and on Eprex for >3 months.

Renal biomarkers for assessment of kidney function in renal transplant recipients: how do they compare?

Accurate assessment of renal function is of key importance, given its prognostic value. However, gold standard measures are cumbersome, and serum creatinine itself is an insensitive predictor, especially in renal transplant recipients. Though GFR-estimating formulae have been relied upon, they do have their own limitations.