Correction of anemia with erythropoietin in chronic kidney disease (stage 3 or 4): effects on cardiac performance.

Background: It is not clear whether the correction of anemia with erythropoietin (rhuEpo) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has any benefit on cardiac function and geometry. Most studies are based on indices of systolic function and left ventricular mass (LVM) and the results are conflicting.

Patients And Methods: We sought to investigate the effect of rhuEpo on LV systolic and diastolic performance using conventional and novel echocardiographic indices.

Sevelamer hydrochloride versus aluminum hydroxide: effect on serum phosphorus and lipids in CAPD patients.

Background: Dietary phosphorus restriction, oral administration of phosphorus binders, and dialysis are the main strategies to control hyperphosphatemia in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Aluminum hydroxide (AH) and calcium carbonate, the most commonly used phosphorus binders, have serious disadvantages, such as aluminum toxicity and hypercalcemia. Sevelamer hydrochloride (SH) is a relatively new nonabsorbed calcium- and aluminum-free phosphorus binder.