Impact of Water Treatment on Anemia in Hemodialysis Patients

INTRODUCTION: The microbiological quality of water in the dialysate used in hemodialysis has been suggested as a contributor to inflammation, and a link between dialysate purity, inflammation, and responsiveness to erythropoietin therapy has been suggested in many studies. The level of endotoxin might induce inflammation and resistance to erythropoietin therapy in dialysis patients. We aimed to compare the effect of using the central dialysis fluid delivery system (CDDS) versus the single-patient dialysis fluid delivery system (SPDDS) on anemia in prevalent hemodialysis patients. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 100 adult prevalent hemodialysis patients with T-SAT ≥20% were divided into two equal groups: CDDS and SPDDS. Endotoxin in water sample and routine investigations (hemoglobin, serum Ca+, serum Po4−, PTH, and urea level) were done. CRP, erythropoietin resistivity index (ERI), and erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) doses were assessed repeatedly to assess inflammatory and anemia states. RESULTS: Endotoxin level in the dialysis fluid of the CDDS group was significantly lower compared to the SPDDS group (0.05 vs. 0.11 EU/ml, P = 0.001). CRP level decreased significantly after 3 months in the CDDS group (P < 0.001) compared to the SPDDS group (P = 0.54), with significant improvement in the hemoglobin level and ERI at 3 months in the CDDS group and decrease in ESA requirements. CONCLUSION: Improvement in dialysis liquid purity reduces inflammatory markers in prevalent hemodialysis patients, improves ERI, and decreases ESA requirements in renal anemia.