Effects of Crit-Line® monitor use on patient outcomes and epoetin alfa dosing following onset of hemodialysis: a propensity score-matched study.

Background: The Crit-Line® monitor (CLM) is a device for monitoring hematocrit, oxygen saturation and change in intravascular blood volume during hemodialysis. Prior studies have evaluated CLM use in dialysis patients, but not specifically in those new to dialysis. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, 199 patients initiating dialysis at 8 facilities routinely using CLM were compared with 796 propensity score-matched non-CLM patients initiating dialysis at facilities not using CLM. Outcomes were considered over the first 180 days on dialysis. Results: Overall, the CLM group had higher StdKt/V (p = 0.06) and received lower doses of intravenous iron than the non-CLM group (p Conclusion: Use of CLM is associated with lower erythropoiesis-stimulating agent and iron use in incident hemodialysis patients.