title: Progressive decline in renal function induces a gradual decrease in total hemoglobin and exercise capacity.
abstract: We examined 58 patients (38 men, 20 women; mean age: 45 +/- 12 years; body mass index: 24 +/- 4 kg/m2) with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ranging from 3 to 32 ml/min, in order to determine the effects of a progressive decline in renal function on total hemoglobin (THb) and exercise capacity. The THb ranged from 185 to 759 g and the hemoglobin concentration ranged from 66 to 151 g/l. Maximal exercise capacity ranged from 50 to 260 W (40-143% of the expected norm). Nearly all the patients interrupted their exercise tests due to general fatigue, leg tiredness or a combination of these factors. There was a significant partial correlation between THb and GFR after sex and age had been accounted for (r = 0.39; p < 0.005). Maximal exercise capacity and THb showed a significant partial correlation after sex, age and GFR had been accounted for (r = 0.27; p < 0.05). Maximal exercise capacity showed a significant partial correlation with GFR after sex, age and THb had been accounted for (r = 0.30; P < 0.05). In conclusion, there is a gradual decline in THb and maximal exercise capacity as uremia progresses. Anemia appears to be a contributory cause responsible for the decrease in maximal exercise capacity along with other factors pertinent to uremia per se.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Huddinge Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Clyne
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jogestrand
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Lins
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Pehrsson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins