Initiation of darbepoetin for management of anemia in non-dialysis-dependent patients with chronic kidney disease.

In this study, 36 patients (21 female, 15 male) were enrolled with a mean age of 46.4 ± 20.12 years. About 56% of the patients (n = 20) received darbepoetin alfa 40 μg Q2W for more than three months and 36% (n = 13) were on once-monthly doses, whereas the other 8% (n = 3) were on variable doses ranging from 20 to 60 μg every two weeks. More than 80% of the patients were converted from short-acting EPO to darbepoetin corresponding to a conversion ratio of 672.2 IU:1 μg (standard deviation = 488.5). Hb levels ≥10 g/dL were maintained in 77.78% of the patients. The safety profile of darbepoetin alfa in this study was recorded, and no significant adverse effects were noted. Our study suggests that darbepoetin alfa, administered in fixed small doses and frequency of Q2W or Q1M, maintained Hb levels ≥10 g/dL in patients with CKD, not on dialysis. PMID: 27900963 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl Source Type: research