Objectives: Concerns about erythropoietin (EPO) therapy for anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) contributing to potential bone loss and increased fracture risks are growing. This study investigated the impact of EPO administration on the risk of common osteoporotic fractures in ESRD patients. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study compared EPO users and non-EPO users among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis, diagnosed with ESRD between 2000 and 2014 identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The cohorts were matched at a propensity score ratio of 1:1, resulting in equal sample sizes of 2839. Variables related to comorbidities were considered. Results: EPO users exhibited higher cumulative incidences of major osteoporotic fractures, hip fractures, spine fractures, and wrist fractures compared with the non-EPO user (all P < 0.001). In adjusted Cox regression models, higher adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios (aSHRs) were observed for major osteoporotic fractures (2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.01–2.89), osteoporotic hip fractures (2.19, 95% CI = 1.69–2.85), spine fractures (2.50, 95% CI = 1.87–3.34), and wrist fractures (2.34, 95% CI = 1.44–3.78) in EPO users than in nonEPO users. The risk of major osteoporotic fractures significantly increased with increasing EPO doses (P for trend < 0.0001), and a similar trend was observed for the risks of osteoporotic spine and wrist fractures. Conclusions Our findings suggest that EPO treatment in patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis is associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Objectives: Concerns about erythropoietin (EPO) therapy for anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) contributing to potential bone loss and increased fracture risks are growing. This study investigated the impact of EPO administration on the risk of common osteoporotic fractures in ESRD patients. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study compared EPO users and non-EPO users among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis, diagnosed with ESRD between 2000 and 2014 identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The cohorts were matched at a propensity score ratio of 1:1, resulting in equal sample sizes of 2839. Variables related to comorbidities were considered. Results: EPO users exhibited higher cumulative incidences of major osteoporotic fractures, hip fractures, spine fractures, and wrist fractures compared with the non-EPO user (all P < 0.001). In adjusted Cox regression models, higher adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios (aSHRs) were observed for major osteoporotic fractures (2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.01–2.89), osteoporotic hip fractures (2.19, 95% CI = 1.69–2.85), spine fractures (2.50, 95% CI = 1.87–3.34), and wrist fractures (2.34, 95% CI = 1.44–3.78) in EPO users than in nonEPO users. The risk of major osteoporotic fractures significantly increased with increasing EPO doses (P for trend < 0.0001), and a similar trend was observed for the risks of osteoporotic spine and wrist fractures. Conclusions Our findings suggest that EPO treatment in patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis is associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Objectives: Concerns about erythropoietin (EPO) therapy for anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) contributing to potential bone loss and increased fracture risks are growing. This study investigated the impact of EPO administration on the risk of common osteoporotic fractures in ESRD patients. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study compared EPO users and non-EPO users among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis, diagnosed with ESRD between 2000 and 2014 identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The cohorts were matched at a propensity score ratio of 1:1, resulting in equal sample sizes of 2839. Variables related to comorbidities were considered. Results: EPO users exhibited higher cumulative incidences of major osteoporotic fractures, hip fractures, spine fractures, and wrist fractures compared with the non-EPO user (all P < 0.001). In adjusted Cox regression models, higher adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios (aSHRs) were observed for major osteoporotic fractures (2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.01–2.89), osteoporotic hip fractures (2.19, 95% CI = 1.69–2.85), spine fractures (2.50, 95% CI = 1.87–3.34), and wrist fractures (2.34, 95% CI = 1.44–3.78) in EPO users than in nonEPO users. The risk of major osteoporotic fractures significantly increased with increasing EPO doses (P for trend < 0.0001), and a similar trend was observed for the risks of osteoporotic spine and wrist fractures. Conclusions Our findings suggest that EPO treatment in patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis is associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Objectives: Concerns about erythropoietin (EPO) therapy for anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) contributing to potential bone loss and increased fracture risks are growing. This study investigated the impact of EPO administration on the risk of common osteoporotic fractures in ESRD patients. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study compared EPO users and non-EPO users among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis, diagnosed with ESRD between 2000 and 2014 identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The cohorts were matched at a propensity score ratio of 1:1, resulting in equal sample sizes of 2839. Variables related to comorbidities were considered. Results: EPO users exhibited higher cumulative incidences of major osteoporotic fractures, hip fractures, spine fractures, and wrist fractures compared with the non-EPO user (all P < 0.001). In adjusted Cox regression models, higher adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios (aSHRs) were observed for major osteoporotic fractures (2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.01–2.89), osteoporotic hip fractures (2.19, 95% CI = 1.69–2.85), spine fractures (2.50, 95% CI = 1.87–3.34), and wrist fractures (2.34, 95% CI = 1.44–3.78) in EPO users than in nonEPO users. The risk of major osteoporotic fractures significantly increased with increasing EPO doses (P for trend < 0.0001), and a similar trend was observed for the risks of osteoporotic spine and wrist fractures. Conclusions Our findings suggest that EPO treatment in patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis is associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Objectives: Concerns about erythropoietin (EPO) therapy for anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) contributing to potential bone loss and increased fracture risks are growing. This study investigated the impact of EPO administration on the risk of common osteoporotic fractures in ESRD patients. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study compared EPO users and non-EPO users among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis, diagnosed with ESRD between 2000 and 2014 identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The cohorts were matched at a propensity score ratio of 1:1, resulting in equal sample sizes of 2839. Variables related to comorbidities were considered. Results: EPO users exhibited higher cumulative incidences of major osteoporotic fractures, hip fractures, spine fractures, and wrist fractures compared with the non-EPO user (all P < 0.001). In adjusted Cox regression models, higher adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios (aSHRs) were observed for major osteoporotic fractures (2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.01–2.89), osteoporotic hip fractures (2.19, 95% CI = 1.69–2.85), spine fractures (2.50, 95% CI = 1.87–3.34), and wrist fractures (2.34, 95% CI = 1.44–3.78) in EPO users than in nonEPO users. The risk of major osteoporotic fractures significantly increased with increasing EPO doses (P for trend < 0.0001), and a similar trend was observed for the risks of osteoporotic spine and wrist fractures. Conclusions Our findings suggest that EPO treatment in patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis is associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by alternating periods of inflammation and remission. Although UC incidence is lower in Taiwan than in Western countries, its impact remains considerable, demanding updated guidelines for addressing local healthcare challenges and patient needs. The revised guidelines employ international standards and recent research, emphasizing practical implementation within the Taiwanese healthcare system. Since the inception of the guidelines in 2017, the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease has acknowledged the need for ongoing revisions to incorporate emerging therapeutic options and evolving disease management practices. This updated guideline aims to align UC management with local contexts, ensuring comprehensive and context-specific recommendations, thereby raising the standard of care for UC patients in Taiwan. By adapting and optimizing international protocols for local relevance, these efforts seek to enhance health outcomes for patients with UC.

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic, fluctuating inflammatory condition that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. Although the incidence of CD in Taiwan is lower than that in Western countries, the severity of CD presentation appears to be similar between Asia and the West. This observation indicates the urgency for devising revised guidelines tailored to the unique reimbursement system, and patient requirements in Taiwan. The core objectives of these updated guidelines include the updated treatment choices and the integration of the treat-to-target strategy into CD management, promoting the achievement of deep remission to mitigate complications and enhance the overall quality of life. Given the diversity in disease prevalence, severity, insurance policies, and access to medical treatments in Taiwan, a customized approach is imperative for formulating these guidelines. Such tailored strategies ensure that international standards are not only adapted but also optimized to local contexts. Since the inception of its initial guidelines in 2017, the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (TSIBD) has acknowledged the importance of continuous revisions for incorporating new therapeutic options and evolving disease management practices. The latest update leverages international standards and recent research findings focused on practical implementation within the Taiwanese healthcare system.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is an increasingly common liver disease worldwide. MAFLD is diagnosed based on the presence of steatosis on images, histological findings, or serum marker levels as well as the presence of at least one of the three metabolic features: overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic risk factors. MAFLD is not only a liver disease but also a factor contributing to or related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which is the major etiology responsible for morbidity and mortality in patients with MAFLD. Hence, understanding the association between MAFLD and CVD, surveillance and risk stratification of MAFLD in patients with CVD, and assessment of the current status of MAFLD management are urgent requirements for both hepatologists and cardiologists. This Taiwan position statement reviews the literature and provides suggestions regarding the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, risk stratification, nonpharmacological interventions, and potential drug treatments of MAFLD, focusing on its association with CVD.