Asian Journal of Research in Nephrology

Hepcidin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining iron balance by inhibiting iron absorption in the intestine and preventing iron release from storage cells like macrophages and hepatocytes. In patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis, elevated hepcidin levels are often observed and contribute to anemia by reducing the availability of iron needed for red blood cell production.

This study aimed to assess the impact of measuring hepcidin levels on anemia management in hemodialysis patients. Conducted at the IBN Rochd Center in Casablanca, it involved 35 stable adult patients who had been on hemodialysis three times a week for at least six months. Blood samples were tested for hemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin saturation, C-reactive protein (CRP), and hepcidin levels using the ELISA method.

The results revealed that the average hepcidin level was 23.7 ng/mL. Significant positive correlations were found between hepcidin and both CRP (r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and ferritin (r = 0.41, p = 0.018) through Pearson correlation analysis, highlighting a strong connection between inflammation and iron regulation.

Among the participants, 53% were receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Those who responded to ESA therapy had notably lower hepcidin levels (mean 19.15 ng/mL) compared to non-ESA users (mean 35.53 ng/mL), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0068).

Although patients receiving injectable iron exhibited higher hepcidin levels (mean 28.10 ng/mL), this difference was not statistically significant.

These findings suggest that measuring hepcidin levels could serve as a valuable tool in optimizing anemia treatment in hemodialysis patients, promoting more personalized and effective use of ESAs and iron therapy.