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Attaining Target Hemoglobin Levels in Patients New to Dialysis: Individualizing Therapy Based on Initial Hemoglobin Levels

Nancy Gregory, RN, CNN

Incident patients on dialysis typically have Hgb levels that are well below the target range of 11 to 12 g/dL as recommended by the NKF-K/DOQI™ (NKF 2001). Despite a nationwide emphasis on anemia as a quality indicator, low Hgb levels often persist for months after dialysis is initiated. This report provides an overview of an innovative, evidence-based approach to treating anemia that can help shorten the time required to achieve target Hgb levels in new new to dialysis.

Nancy Gregory, RN, CNN, is the Regional Education Coordinator for the East Division of Gambro Healthcare.