From the Guidelines
Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, with a target range of 33% to 36% for patients undergoing Epoetin therapy, as recommended by the NKF-K/DOQI clinical practice guidelines 1. Hematocrit is a crucial component of a complete blood count (CBC) that measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood.
- A normal hematocrit level for adult males is typically around 36% to 48%, while for adult females it's usually between 33% and 44% 1.
- However, for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the target hematocrit range is lower, between 33% and 36%, as specified in the NKF-K/DOQI guidelines 1. Key factors that can influence hematocrit levels include:
- Dehydration
- Pregnancy
- Living at high altitudes
- Certain medications
- Medical conditions affecting red blood cell production or destruction, such as anemia or polycythemia Regular monitoring of hematocrit levels is vital for patients with chronic conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, or blood disorders, as it helps evaluate their overall health and detect potential complications 1. Maintaining a hematocrit level within the target range of 33% to 36% is essential for patients undergoing Epoetin therapy, as it can improve survival, reduce the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy, and enhance quality of life 1.
From the Research
Definition of Hematocrit
- Hematocrit is not directly defined in the provided studies, but it can be inferred that it is related to the measurement of blood components, particularly in the context of anemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Relationship with Anemia and CKD
- Anemia is a common complication in CKD, and hematocrit levels are often used to diagnose and monitor anemia 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that anemia in CKD patients is often caused by a decrease in endogenous erythropoietin production, absolute and/or functional iron deficiency, and inflammation with increased hepcidin levels 2, 5.
Measurement and Monitoring
- Hemoglobin levels, rather than hematocrit, are often measured to assess anemia in CKD patients 3, 4, 5.
- Iron indices, such as ferritin and transferrin saturation, are also used to monitor iron deficiency and anemia in CKD patients 3, 5.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment of anemia in CKD patients often involves oral or intravenous iron supplements and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Recent advances in the treatment of CKD-related anemia include the development of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs), which can increase endogenous EPO production and improve iron availability 5.