Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective Recent studies have suggested that maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with central venous catheter have heavier inflammatory state than those with arteriovenous fistula (AVF), and that inflammation is an important factor leading to aggravated renal anemia. The present study aimed to understand the effect of different vascular accesses on the therapy of renal anemia through comparing anemia-related indicators. Methods This was a retrospective paired-designed study. The individuals who received treatment in our blood purification center from April 2012 to March 2013 were selected and divided into groups of tunneled catheter (TC) and AVF according to the vascular access. Then, fourteen pairs were matched for gender, age, primary disease, duration of dialysis, and usage time of access. During observation period, the indicators such as hemoglobin (Hb), dose of erythropoietin (EPO), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (SCRP) etc. were recorded for comparing differences between the groups. Results The baseline data of the two groups were well matched (P＞0.05). During observation period, there was no difference between their Hb levels (P=0.210), but the average monthly EPO dose of TC group was higher than that of AVF group (691.022±141.763 vs. 533.198±174.558 IU/(kg•month), P =0.014). There was also no difference between the two groups in their count of white blood cell (WBC), SCRP and most of the other indicators (P＞0.05), while the frequency and duration of hospitalization due to access infection in TC group were more than those in AVF group (P =0.034, 0.035). Conclusion I In order to maintain similar Hb level, MHD patients with TC need to inject higher doses of EPO than those with AVF, therefore, vascular access could be associated with EPO therapy for renal anemia. However, no definite answer could be derived from present study, and larger sample and more strictly designed prospective researches will be needed in the future

Key words: Central venous catheters, Arteriovenous fistula, Anemia, Erythropoietin