Correlation of Serum Magnesium Level With Anemia in Response to Erythropoietin Treatment in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that serum magnesium levels may play a critical role in anemia and the efficacy of erythropoietin treatment in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between serum magnesium levels and the anemia response to erythropoietin in this population. The research involved hemodialysis patients from Golestan and Imam Khomeini hospitals in Ahvaz. After confirming patient eligibility and preparing checklists, data were collected on demographics such as age, sex, weight, and duration of dialysis. Serum parameters, including iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-reactive protein (CRP), magnesium, and albumin, were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. The response to erythropoietin was measured through the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI). Patients were divided into two groups: low ERI (≤11.52 IU/week (g/dL)-1/kg) and high ERI (>11.52 IU/week (g/dL)). The average frequency of dialysis sessions was similar between the two groups (low ERI: 3.66±0.39; high ERI: 3.64±0.37, P=0.70). The average duration of dialysis also showed no significant difference (low ERI: 3.03 ± 0.26 hours; high ERI: 3.01 ± 0.36 hours, P=0.80). While iron levels were higher in the low ERI group, statistical significance was not achieved (P<0.05). Notably, magnesium levels were found to be statistically significant. The results indicate that magnesium levels may serve as a predictive factor for managing anemia in dialysis patients, highlighting the need to incorporate magnesium assessment into treatment strategies.