Orientador: Júlio De Faveri / Coorientador: Hélio Amante Miot / Resumo: Fundamentos: Diversos estudos realizados visam a prevenção de complicações em cirurgia dermatológica, dentre as quais o sangramento. Trabalhos anteriores demonstraram que uma dieta com sobrecarga lipídica poderia influenciar o padrão coagulatório, reduzindo o sangramento cirúrgico. Este trabalho visa avaliar o efeito da sobrecarga lipídica nos parâmetros laboratoriais de coagulação e sangramento. Casuística e métodos: Dez indivíduos coletaram amostras de sangue em jejum e após trinta minutos da ingestão de sorvete (21g de gordura). Procederam-se exames: hemograma, tempo de sangramento, TTPA, TP, VHS, viscosidade plasmática e perfil lipídico. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados (teste t de Student para amostras dependentes ou Wilcoxon). Considerou-se significativo p<0,05. Resultados: Houve alteração no perfil lipídico (p<0,05): colesterol total (média: 190,3 para 194,4), VLDL (mediana: 19,5 para 21,0) e triglicerídeos (mediana: 101,5 para 105,0), porém, sem alteração significativa das frações LDL e HDL. A contagem de plaquetas apresentou diminuição (média: 243,2 mil para 232,1 mil; p<0,05), entretanto, sem alterações significativas no coagulograma, hemossedimentação e viscosidade sanguínea. Conclusão: A modificação no perfil lipídico indicou adequada absorção da gordura, todavia, não se demonstrou, sob os parâmetros laboratoriais avaliados, e o protocolo empregado, evidências de que a sobrecarga lipídica por via oral promova alterações coagulatórias ou de viscosidade... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Several studies have already been performed for the prevention of complications in dermatologic surgery, including bleeding. Previous researches have shown that a diet with fat overload could influence the pattern of coagulation and repair mechanisms, reducing surgical bleeding. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a lipid overload in the parameters of coagulation and bleeding. Patients and Methods: Blood samples were performed in ten individuals, collected on fasting and thirty minutes after eating ice cream (21g of fat). Held up tests: blood count, bleeding time, aPTT, PT, ESR, plasma viscosity and lipid profile. The data were tabulated and analyzed (Student t test for dependent samples or Wilcoxon). A significant p<0,05 was considered. Results: There was an increase in lipid profile (p<0,05): total cholesterol (mean: 190,3 to 194,4), VLDL (median: 19,5 to 21,0) and triglycerides (median: 101,5 to 105,0), but no significant changes on LDL and HDL fractions. The platelet count also showed a decrease (mean: 243200 to 232100; p < 0,05), however, no significant changes in coagulation, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and blood viscosity. Conclusion: The increase in lipid profile indicated adequate absorption of fat, however, not shown, under these laboratory parameters with the chosen protocol, evidences that an orally fat overload is able to modify coagulation or blood viscosity. / Mestre

A four variable constitutive equation was developed utilizing the method first presented by Schneck and Walburn. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were calculated on whole blood samples within a narrow range of hematocrit to investigate further the effect of the various plasma constituents on whole blood viscosity. Viscosity measurements were made on one hundred anticoagulated blood samples of known hematocrit and chemical composition. The constitutive equation was developed using a power law functional form similar to that employed by Schneck and Walburn. This equation contains two parameters, the consistency index and the non-Newtonian index. A computerized multiple regression technique with apparent viscosity as the dependent variable was used to determine the particular form of these parameters. The one, two and three variable models developed confirmed the results of the previous work of Schneck and Walburn. The four variable model included the total lipids in combination with the concentration of total protein minus albumin and hematocrit. Spearman rank correlation coefficients showed the highest correlations between whole blood viscosity and the plasma constituents to be those of the globulins, total protein and fibrinogen. The constitutive equation developed did not show as high a correlation between experimental data and theory as did the Schneck-Walburn three variable model. The addition of a fourth variable did produce a statistically significant increase over the best three variable model of the present study. / M.S.

Although blood viscosity is an important component in determining vascular function, it is often assumed constant. Emerging evidence linking individual differences in viscosity to cardiovascular disease casts doubt on this assumption. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of whole blood viscosity to key measures of vascular function. To address this aim as comprehensively as possible, first, whole blood viscosity was compared with traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Then flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), and carotid artery compliance were calculated either with or without blood viscosity taken into account. Lastly, we tested whether the removal of blood viscosity could influence well-established associations between age and vascular function. Blood viscosity and vascular function were measured in 97 adults ranging in age from 18-63 years. No significant differences were observed between whole blood viscosity and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Whole blood viscosity was not significantly correlated with FMD, cfPWV, and carotid compliance. As expected, age was positively correlated with cfPWV (r=0.65, p<0.001) and negatively correlated with FMD (r=-0.21, p<0.05) and carotid compliance (r=-0.45, p<0.01). Even after controlling for viscosity, these relationships remained statistically significant (cfPWV r=0.65, p<0.001; FMD r=-0.24, p<0.05; carotid compliance r=-0.44, p<0.05). These results indicate that whole blood viscosity does not appear to significantly impact measures of vascular function and that the rationale for including whole blood viscosity in the calculation of vascular function remains weak. / text

Submitted by GABRIEL PERES (gabrielperes@uol.com.br) on 2017-01-12T17:59:41Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao_Gabriel_Peres__MEPAREM - final_PG.pdf: 1188057 bytes, checksum: 3d743000ee2199b4bada7a4a8ceff65e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by LUIZA DE MENEZES ROMANETTO (luizamenezes@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-01-16T16:15:03Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 peres_g_me_bot.pdf: 1188057 bytes, checksum: 3d743000ee2199b4bada7a4a8ceff65e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-16T16:15:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 peres_g_me_bot.pdf: 1188057 bytes, checksum: 3d743000ee2199b4bada7a4a8ceff65e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-14 / Outra / Fundamentos: Diversos estudos realizados visam a prevenção de complicações em cirurgia dermatológica, dentre as quais o sangramento. Trabalhos anteriores demonstraram que uma dieta com sobrecarga lipídica poderia influenciar o padrão coagulatório, reduzindo o sangramento cirúrgico. Este trabalho visa avaliar o efeito da sobrecarga lipídica nos parâmetros laboratoriais de coagulação e sangramento. Casuística e métodos: Dez indivíduos coletaram amostras de sangue em jejum e após trinta minutos da ingestão de sorvete (21g de gordura). Procederam-se exames: hemograma, tempo de sangramento, TTPA, TP, VHS, viscosidade plasmática e perfil lipídico. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados (teste t de Student para amostras dependentes ou Wilcoxon). Considerou-se significativo p<0,05. Resultados: Houve alteração no perfil lipídico (p<0,05): colesterol total (média: 190,3 para 194,4), VLDL (mediana: 19,5 para 21,0) e triglicerídeos (mediana: 101,5 para 105,0), porém, sem alteração significativa das frações LDL e HDL. A contagem de plaquetas apresentou diminuição (média: 243,2 mil para 232,1 mil; p<0,05), entretanto, sem alterações significativas no coagulograma, hemossedimentação e viscosidade sanguínea. Conclusão: A modificação no perfil lipídico indicou adequada absorção da gordura, todavia, não se demonstrou, sob os parâmetros laboratoriais avaliados, e o protocolo empregado, evidências de que a sobrecarga lipídica por via oral promova alterações coagulatórias ou de viscosidade sanguínea. / Background: Several studies have already been performed for the prevention of complications in dermatologic surgery, including bleeding. Previous researches have shown that a diet with fat overload could influence the pattern of coagulation and repair mechanisms, reducing surgical bleeding. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a lipid overload in the parameters of coagulation and bleeding. Patients and Methods: Blood samples were performed in ten individuals, collected on fasting and thirty minutes after eating ice cream (21g of fat). Held up tests: blood count, bleeding time, aPTT, PT, ESR, plasma viscosity and lipid profile. The data were tabulated and analyzed (Student t test for dependent samples or Wilcoxon). A significant p<0,05 was considered. Results: There was an increase in lipid profile (p<0,05): total cholesterol (mean: 190,3 to 194,4), VLDL (median: 19,5 to 21,0) and triglycerides (median: 101,5 to 105,0), but no significant changes on LDL and HDL fractions. The platelet count also showed a decrease (mean: 243200 to 232100; p < 0,05), however, no significant changes in coagulation, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and blood viscosity. Conclusion: The increase in lipid profile indicated adequate absorption of fat, however, not shown, under these laboratory parameters with the chosen protocol, evidences that an orally fat overload is able to modify coagulation or blood viscosity. / FUNADERSP (RESP-SBD): 28/06/2016

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:50:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-11-25. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:25:40Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 Publico-061.pdf: 1435875 bytes, checksum: 1afa77ce414913258d6fac6e89cdb379 (MD5) / Entre as alterações inerentes ao envelhecimento pode-se observar o surgimento do declínio cognitivo. Contudo, uma vida saudável com a prática de exercícios físicos parece gerar um efeito protetor contra o declínio cognitivo nos idosos. Segundo a literatura, tanto os exercícios aeróbios quanto os resistidos, quando praticados isoladamente, parecem beneficiar a cognição. Contudo, ainda não foi descrito se a combinação de ambas as modalidades acarretaria o mesmo beneficio. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os efeitos que o treinamento combinado traria para a função cognitiva de idosos saudáveis. Foram selecionados trinta e três idosos saudáveis que foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: o Controle (N = 17) e o Combinado (N = 16). O grupo controle foi orientado a manter as suas atividades habituais, e o combinado participou de um programa de treinamento composto por exercícios físicos aeróbio e resistido, três vezes por semana, em dias alternados, por um período de seis meses. Os idosos, no início e ao final do protocolo, foram submetidos a avaliações físicas (ergoespirometria e teste de 1 Repetição Máxima - 1RM), cognitivas (por meio de medidas neuropsicológicas e neurofisiológicas), de humor, e de qualidade de vida, e também a análises sangüíneas (Fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina - IGF-1- e viscosidade do sangue). Os resultados demonstraram que nas avaliações físicas, tanto no consumo de oxigênio (p=0,01) quanto na 1RM (p=0,001), o grupo experimental, após o treinamento, apresentou uma diferença significativa em relação ao grupo controle. As variáveis relativas à composição corporal também tiveram diferenças significativas após a intervenção, ocorrendo uma diminuição da massa de gordura (p=0,016) e um aumento da massa livre de gordura (p=0,016). Além disso, no mesmo tipo de comparação, o grupo combinado, após um período de seis meses, apresentou um melhor desempenho nos seguintes testes: Figura Complexa de Rey e Taylor (p=0,01); Toulouse, no qual obtiveram um percentil maior na qualidade (p=0,045); Semelhanças (p=0,003); e Soma de todas das tentativas no teste de Pares Verbais Associados (p=0,043). Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas nas demais análises. Desta forma, pode-se concluir que o treinamento físico combinado foi capaz de aumentar a força e a capacidade aeróbia de idosos saudáveis, tendo ocorrido também uma melhora na habilidade de abstração, no controle inibitório, na memória de curto prazo e na aprendizagem, / Among the changes associated with aging there is a cognitive decline. However, a healthy life style, such as physical exercise seems to generate a protective effect against this cognitive decline. The literature has shown that both aerobic and the resistance exercise, when practiced in isolation seem to result in benefits to cognition. Yet it is not described if the combination of both methods would result in the same benefit. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combined training on cognitive function in health elderly. Were select thirty-three elderly subjects who were randomly divided into two groups: Control (N = 17) and Combined (N = 16). The control group was instructed to maintain their usual activities and the combined group participated in a training program composed by aerobic and resistance exercise, three times per week on alternate days for a period of six months. Both groups underwent a physical assessment (spirometry and testing of 1 Repetition Maximum - 1RM), cognitive (through neurophysiological and neuropsychological measures), mood, quality of life and blood tests (Insulin-like growth factors type 1- IGF-1 - and blood viscosity) at the beginning and the end of the protocol. The results showed that in the physical assessments, both oxygen consumption (p = 0.01) and 1RM (p = 0.001), the experimental group after training showed a significant difference when compared to the control group. The variables relating to body composition also showed significant differences after the intervention, causing a decrease in fat mass (p = 0.016) and an increase in fat-free mass (p = 0.016). Moreover, the same type of comparison, the combined group, after a period of six months, performed better in the following tests: Rey Complex Figure and Taylor (p = 0.01); Toulouse, which obtained a percentile in the quality (p = 0.045); Similarities (p = 0.003); and Sum of all the attempts to test Verbal Associated Pairs (p = 0.043). There were no statistical differences in the other analysis. Thus, the conclusion is that the combined training can increase both strength and aerobic capacity in healthy elderlies, affecting an improvement in the ability of abstraction, inhibitory control, short-term memory and learning regardless of serum IGF-1 and blood viscosity. / TEDE / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

Nous avons étudié les marqueurs hémorhéologiques, hématologiques et biochimiques chez des sujets drépanocytaires homozygotes SS (HbS/HbS) et hétérozygotes composites SC (HbS/HbC) dans deux cohortes, pédiatriques et adultes, de patients drépanocytaires, et ce, à travers 7 complications récurrentes de la drépanocytose : 2 appartenant au profil hémolytique (l’ulcère de jambes et la glomérulopathie) et 5 appartenant au phénotype visqueux/vaso-occlusif (l’hypertension artérielle, le syndrome thoracique aigu (STA), la crise vaso-occlusive (CVO), la rétinopathie et l’ostéonécrose). Nous avons montré que : 1) une viscosité sanguine et une déformabilité érythrocytaire élevées sont des facteurs de risques de CVO chez les enfants homozygotes ; 2) Une viscosité sanguine élevée est associée à une hypertension artérielle systémique relative chez des adultes SS ; 3) les enfants SC présente une fonction vasculaire mieux préservée que les enfants SS pour faire face à une augmentation de la viscosité sanguine ; 4) les patients adultes SS avec une ostéonécrose présentent une déformabilité érythrocytaire plus élevée que les patients sans ostéonécrose ; 5) une viscosité sanguine élevée est associée à la présence d’une rétinopathie chez les adultes SC mais pas chez les SS ; 6) les patients adultes SS présentant une glomérulopathie ont un taux d’hémolyse élevé, une déformabilité érythrocytaire réduite et des agrégats érythrocytaires très robustes ; 7) les patients adultes SS avec des ulcères de jambes récurrents ont un taux d’hémolyse accru et une déformabilité érythrocytaire réduite. De plus, nos travaux confirment que l’-thalassémie module les propriétés de déformabilité érythrocytaire, mais montrent pour la première fois qu’elle module aussi les propriétés d’agrégation érythrocytaire, et notamment la force des agrégats érythrocytaires. En conclusion, ces travaux permettent de préciser le rôle de la rhéologie sanguine dans un certain nombre de complications de la drépanocytose et d’enrichir le modèle préexistant divisant les complications de la drépanocytose selon 2 phénotypes : hémolytique versus visqueux/vaso-occlusif. Nous montrons pour la première fois que le phénotype hémolytique est caractérisé aussi par des anomalies de la rhéologie du globule rouge : rigidité accrue et agrégats érythrocytaire robustes. / Hemorheological, hemathological, and biochemical marquers of patients with sickle cell anemia (SS) and patients with sickle cell SC disease (SC) were studied in 2 cohorts: children and adults. We focused on 7 recurrent complications: 5 belonging to the viscosity/vaso-occlusion phenotype (systemic hypertension, acute chest syndrome (ACS), vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), retinopathy and osteonecrosis) and 2 belonging to the hemolytic phenotype (leg ulcer and glomerulopathy). Our results show that 1) high viscosity is associated with increased risk for VOC in SS children; 2) blood viscosity is increased in SS adults with systemic relative hypertension; 3) SC children have preserved vascular function compared to SS children; 4) SS adults with osteonecrosis are characterized by higher red blood cell (RBC) deformability than SS adults without osteonecrosis; 5) high blood viscosity is associated with retinopathy in SC adults but not in SS adults; 6) SS adults affected by glomerulopathy have high hemolytic rate, low RBC deformability and increased RBC aggregates strenght; 7) SS adults with recurrent leg ulcers have high hemolytic rate and reduced RBC deformability. Moreover, our studies shows that alpha-thalassemia modulate RBC deformability and RBC aggregation properties. In conclusion, this work shows for the first time that the hemolytic phenotype is characterized by an abnormal RBC rheology which may play a role in several sickle cell complications.

Diese Arbeit befasst sich tierexperimentell und klinisch mit Aspekten der Nierenfunktion bei der Behandlung angeborener Herzfehler. Von Patientenseite sind das Neonatal- und Säuglingsalter und ab der Adoleszenz eine chronische Zyanose, von Behandlungsseite Röntgenkontrastmittelgaben, Dauer, Blutviskositätsänderungen und Kreislaufstillstand am kardiopulmonalen Bypass Risikofaktoren. Cortikosteroidgaben, Optimierung von Blutviskosität und Hydratation sowie eine prophylaktische Peritonealdialyse sind Ansätze zur Behandlung eines Nierenschadens. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Verbesserungen der Plasmaviskosität Nierenschäden am hypothermen kardiopulmonalen Bypass vermindern während eine Cortikosteroidgabe vor Kreislaufstillstand bei Ferkeln nicht nephroprotektiv wirkt. Bei Risikopatienten erweist sich der prophylaktische Einsatz einer Peritonealdialyse als günstig. Bei chronisch zyanotischen Patienten mit einer Glomerulopathie und einem erhöhtem Risiko für Röntgenkontrastmittelexposition und kardiopulmonale Byppassoperationen muss der Nierenstatus die Operationsplanung und postoperative Therapie beeinflussen. Nephroprotektion und Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten der Blutviskosität am kardiopulmonalen Bypass müssen weiter untersucht werden. / This work focusses on clinical aspects of kidney function in the treatment of congenital heart disease. Neonates and infants as well as adolescents with cyanosis may be especially at risk. Contrast agents, duration, blood viscosity changes, and circulatory arrest in cardiopulmonary bypass may be risk factors. Corticosteroids, optimized blood viscosity and hydration, and early onset of peritoneal dialysis are considerations of treatment. Our results demonstrate a reduction of renal damage with optimized plasma viscosity during hypothermia in cardiopulmonary bypass, while corticosteroids have no advantage in young pigs after circulatory arrest. Prophylactic treatment with peritoneal dialysis has advantages in patients at risk. In chronicly cyanotic patients with glomerulopathy the risk of contrast agents and cardiopulmonary bypass is elevated. Thus, renal status should influence operative procedures and postoperative treatment. The possibilities of nephroprotection and improvement of blood viscosity should be further evaluated.

Dans le but de vérifier l’impact d’un changement soudain dans l’agrégation érythrocytaire sur certains paramètres cardiovasculaires, une transfusion par échange sanguin du tiers du volume a été effectuée avec du sang hyperagrégeant chez le rat de souche Brown Norway. La pression caudale, le volume cardiaque systolique, la fraction d’éjection, le débit cardiaque, le rythme cardiaque et la résistance périphérique à l’écoulement sanguin ont été observés non-intrusivement sur 19 jours suite à la transfusion. Les rats ont été sacrifiés plus d’un mois suivant la transfusion et une étude ex vivo de la réponse à deux agents dilatateurs (l’acétylcholine et le nitroprussiate de sodium) a été menée sur les artérioles mésentériques. Des variations des paramètres cardiovasculaires, soit le débit, le volume systolique et la résistance périphérique, ont été remarquées dans les trois premiers jours posttransfusion. Une résistance du muscle vasculaire lisse au monoxyde d’azote a été notée chez les rats transfusés au sang hyperagrégeant alors qu’aucune dysfonction endothéliale n’était apparente en réponse à l’acétylcholine. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an acute change in erythrocyte aggregation on cardiovascular parameters by exchanging one third of the blood volume with hyperaggregating blood in the Brown Norway rat model. Values of caudal pressure, systolic cardiac volume, ejection fraction, cardiac output, heart rate and peripheral resistance to blood flow were observed non-invasively over 19 days after transfusion. The rats were sacrificed after more than a month following the procedure and an ex vivo study in response to pharmacological agents (acetylcholine and sodium nitroprussiate) was performed on mesenteric arterioles. Variations in cardiac output, systolic volume and peripheral resistance were noted for the first three days post-transfusion. The vascular smooth muscles of rats transfused with the hyperaggregating erythrocytes seemed to have developed a resistance to nitric oxide but no endothelial dysfunction was observed in response to acetylcholine.

<p>Anemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CDK), contributes to reduced Quality of Life (QoL) and is associated with cardiovascular disease, morbidity and mortality. Epoetin raises hemoglobin (Hb) and increases QoL and physical exercise capacity. Because of concerns about safety and economics, current anemia treatment with epoetin aims to achieve subnormal Hb (110-120 g/l). Normalization of Hb may be of additional benefit regarding QoL and cardiovascular effects. The present study examines the effects of Hb normalization with epoetin on safety variables, QoL, graft function after kidney transplantation, dialysis adequacy, hemorheology, hemodynamics and cardiac autonomic function in CKD patients. </p><p>In a randomized, multicenter study comprising 416 pre-dialysis and dialysis patients no difference was observed between patients treated to a normal or a subnormal Hb level on mortality, thrombovascular events, serious adverse events, vascular access thrombosis and residual renal function. QoL was enhanced in a subgroup of hemodialysis patients. Pretransplant epoetin treatment directed toward normal Hb levels did not result in worse graft function during 6 postoperative months. Dialysis adequacy was reduced in a subgroup of hemodialysis patients after normalization of Hb. The blood flow properties of pre-dialysis patients were altered. The hemorheological investigation demonstrated that Hb normalization caused a parallel increase in hematocrit and blood viscosity without other hemorheological changes. While the total peripheral resistance index increased, the cardiac index (CI) decreased. In a separate study cardiac autonomic function, measured by heart rate variability, was decreased in pre-dialysis patients. It was improved, but not fully normalized, by Hb normalization. </p><p>On the basis of this study, Hb normalization with epoetin appears to be safe and increases QoL in hemodialysis patients though may result in lower dialysis adequacy and increased blood pressure. A reduction in CI and improved cardiac autonomic function indicate a positive effect on cardiovascular function.</p>

Anemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CDK), contributes to reduced Quality of Life (QoL) and is associated with cardiovascular disease, morbidity and mortality. Epoetin raises hemoglobin (Hb) and increases QoL and physical exercise capacity. Because of concerns about safety and economics, current anemia treatment with epoetin aims to achieve subnormal Hb (110-120 g/l). Normalization of Hb may be of additional benefit regarding QoL and cardiovascular effects. The present study examines the effects of Hb normalization with epoetin on safety variables, QoL, graft function after kidney transplantation, dialysis adequacy, hemorheology, hemodynamics and cardiac autonomic function in CKD patients. In a randomized, multicenter study comprising 416 pre-dialysis and dialysis patients no difference was observed between patients treated to a normal or a subnormal Hb level on mortality, thrombovascular events, serious adverse events, vascular access thrombosis and residual renal function. QoL was enhanced in a subgroup of hemodialysis patients. Pretransplant epoetin treatment directed toward normal Hb levels did not result in worse graft function during 6 postoperative months. Dialysis adequacy was reduced in a subgroup of hemodialysis patients after normalization of Hb. The blood flow properties of pre-dialysis patients were altered. The hemorheological investigation demonstrated that Hb normalization caused a parallel increase in hematocrit and blood viscosity without other hemorheological changes. While the total peripheral resistance index increased, the cardiac index (CI) decreased. In a separate study cardiac autonomic function, measured by heart rate variability, was decreased in pre-dialysis patients. It was improved, but not fully normalized, by Hb normalization. On the basis of this study, Hb normalization with epoetin appears to be safe and increases QoL in hemodialysis patients though may result in lower dialysis adequacy and increased blood pressure. A reduction in CI and improved cardiac autonomic function indicate a positive effect on cardiovascular function.