Laboratory parameters
BLOOD
The serum albumin levels were measured using the bromocresol green method. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) was measured using turbidometric immunoassay (normal range < 3.0 mg/L). Other chemical measurements, such as serum prealbumin, total cholesterol, TIBC, creatinine, urea, ferritin, calcium, phosphorus, iPTH, and hemoglobin, were performed using routine methods. Blood samples were collected before the mid-week HD sessions. Samples for serum prealbumin measurement were centrifuged, and the serum was stored at -80 °C until analysis. A post-dialysis sample was drawn for the measurement of post-dialysis urea to calculate the spKT/V.