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      Probability versus Causal Inference in Observational Studies

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      * ,
      Blood Purification
      S. Karger AG

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          Hemoglobin targets for the anemia of chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.

          Anemia affects almost all patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), reduces quality of life, and is a risk factor for early death. Higher hemoglobin (Hb) targets have been widely advocated because of data from observational studies showing that higher Hb is associated with improved survival and quality of life, but higher Hb targets may cause access thrombosis and hypertension and are costly. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits and harms of different Hb targets in CKD on the basis of randomized trial evidence. A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Trials Registry, Medline, Embase, and reference lists was performed. Two independent reviewers assessed studies for inclusion criteria and extracted data on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, strokes, hypertension, seizures, hyperkalemia, access thrombosis, and quality of life. Analysis was by a random-effects model, and results are expressed as relative risk (RR) or weighted mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Nineteen relevant trials were identified. Twelve trials (638 patients) compared use of erythropoietin versus no erythropoietin treatment, and seven trials (2058 patients) compared higher versus lower Hb targets. Compared with Hb values of >130 g/L or more in the CKD population with cardiovascular disease, Hb values of <120 g/L were associated with lower all-cause mortality (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.00). Hb values of 100 g/L or less reduced the risk of hypertension (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.76) but increased the risk of seizures (RR, 5.25; 95% CI, 1.13 to 24.34). From the available trial evidence, in CKD patients with cardiovascular disease, the benefits associated with higher Hb targets (reduced seizures) are outweighed by the harms (increased risk of hypertension and death). There is insufficient data to guide decisions in patients without cardiovascular disease or in the predialysis population.
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            Testing for causality and prognosis: etiological and prognostic models.

            Etiological research aims to investigate the causal relationship between putative risk factors (or determinants) and a given disease or other outcome. In contrast, prognostic research aims to predict the probability of a given clinical outcome and in this perspective the pathophysiology of the disease is not an issue. Multivariate modeling is a fundamental tool both to infer causality and to investigate prognostic factors in epidemiological research. The analytical approaches to etiological and prognostic studies are strictly dependent on the research question and imply knowledge of the main statistical procedures for model building and data interpretation. In this paper we describe the application of multivariate statistical modeling in etiological and prognostic research. We will mainly focus on the differences in model building and data interpretation between these two areas of epidemiologic research.
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              Hospitalization and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients: Association with Hemoglobin Variability

              Background/Aims: Hemodialysis patients show complications associated with low or high hemoglobin (Hb), which occur frequently in clinical practice. We sought to determine the clinical importance of these changes in Hb levels. Methods: From our clinic cohorts, we identified 1,634 who met inclusion criteria for analysis of hospitalization frequency and 1,953 analysis of mortality; many patients were in both groups. Hb excursions outside the target range (11-12.5 g/dl) were studied in relation to patient outcomes. Results: Hb measures below range were associated with more frequent hospitalization (p < 0.001), increased length of stay (p < 0.001), and increased mortality (p < 0.01), whereas Hb above range was associated with a reduced frequency of hospitalization (p < 0.01) and shorter length of stay (p < 0.01), and tended to be associated with reduced mortality. Conclusions: Excursions below range were associated with negative outcomes, but excursions above range were either beneficial or neutral. Our findings indicate that clinicians should focus on low Hb as a negative indicator of patient status, whereas transient Hb above range is a marker for patient health and well-being.
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                Author and article information

                Journal
                BPU
                Blood Purif
                10.1159/issn.0253-5068
                Blood Purification
                S. Karger AG
                0253-5068
                1421-9735
                2014
                July 2014
                05 June 2014
                : 37
                : 3
                : 221
                Affiliations
                School of Medicine, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
                Author notes
                *Prof. Goran Imamović, Country Medical Representative, NephroCare, Zdravstvena Ustanova ‘Fresenius Medical Care Centar za dijalizu' Samac, Sime Perića 2, BA-75400 Zvornik (Bosnia and Herzegovina), E-Mail goran.imamovic@fmc-ag.com
                Article
                362110 Blood Purif 2014;37:221
                10.1159/000362110
                24902870
                60d77b39-bb5e-45dc-be90-d2ec7aab14b8
                © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel

                Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

                History
                Page count
                Pages: 1
                Categories
                Letter to the Editor

                Cardiovascular Medicine,Nephrology
                Cardiovascular Medicine, Nephrology

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