Assessment of iron metabolism and iron deficiency in incident patients on incident continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate iron status and iron deficiency in incident continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients and identify influencing factors.

Methods: Patients with end-stage renal disease were enrolled. Clinical data of iron metabolism and biochemical and dialysis parameters during the first peritoneal dialysis evaluation were collected. Serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels were evaluated, and independent influencing factors were identified by correlation and regression analyses.

Results: Of 1,128 adult CAPD patients, 41.2% had iron deficiency (ID), 15.7% had absolute iron deficiency, and 8.2% had functional iron deficiency. The average SF level was (276.8 ± 277.9) μg/L, and iron saturation was (29.8 ± 12.7)%. Additionally, 50.2 and 69.3% of patients reached targets in SF level and iron saturation recommended by the Chinese Society of Nephrology. SF level and TSAT were not correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate, whereas negatively correlated with platelet count and inflammatory factors. Low platelet count, presence of diabetes mellitus and high interleukin 6 levels were independent factors of lower TSAT.

Conclusions: ID is common in patients with CAPD. Women and those with thrombocytopenia, diabetes, and inflammation are at higher risk for iron storage or reduced iron utilization. In the initial CAPD stage, a reasonable iron supplement strategy may be established for CAPD patients with high-risk factors.