Use of a Novel Artificial Intelligence Assisted Platform to Assess Optimal Dosing and Treatment Strategy of Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agents (ESA) in Hemodialysis Patients

It has been known well for a long time that End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients usually need ESA to maintain their hemoglobin (Hb) to improve both mortality as well as quality of life. Later, several large-scale RCTs showing normalization of Hb in this population increased the risk of thromboembolic event, which leaded current guidelines to recommend the therapeutic goal for anemia in ESRD should be within a range (usually between 10-12 gm/dl) rather than above or below a certain level (or value). In addition to ESA dose, many factors contribute to the severity of anemia in this population, such as iron status, chronic blood loss, adequacy of dialysis, chronic inflammation, renal wasting, et al. To put all these factors together, maintaining the Hb levels within the target level is a challenge to physician. It was reported that only one third of Hb within the target at any given time. Our data showed, for those under maintenance hemodialysis and without any blood transfusion in observation period, near two third of patients\' Hb level were within the target range.