Implications of Levels of Serum Mineral Metabolism Markers, Albumin and C-Reactive Protein for Treatment Costs of Patients on Maintenance Dialysis

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BACKGROUND: Secondary hyperparathyroidism, malnutrition and inflammation have been reported to associate with adverse outcomes in dialysis patients. However, little is known about the implications of these conditions for treatment costs. METHODS: The cost data of all adult patients who had entered dialysis therapy at Tampere University Hospital between 1991 and 1996 and had remained on dialysis for at least 1 year were collected. results of measurements of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were obtained from the database of the hospital. RESULTS: Patients (n = 109), aged 57.0 +/- 14.9 years, included 57% men and 37% diabetics; 62% started on hemodialysis and 38% on peritoneal dialysis. Average daily costs were USD 161 (range 95-360). After controlling for patients' age, body mass index, gender, dialysis modality and primary renal disease, there was a positive correlation between average CRP and average costs and a negative correlation between albumin and costs. Correlations between mineral metabolism markers and costs were not found, but there was a trend towards lower cost among patients who achieved the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative targets of calcium, phosphorus and PTH (USD 145 +/- 31) compared with those with nonoptimal levels (USD 165 +/- 48; p = 0.095). Costs of patients with at least one in-target PTH measurement were lower than costs of patients with constantly low PTH (USD 148 +/- 31 vs. 170 +/- 48; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Serum levels of albumin and CRP correlated with dialysis patients' treatment costs. Achieving the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative targets may be associated with lower costs.

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