A randomized crossover study of single biweekly administration of epoetin-alpha compared with darbepoetin-alpha in chronic kidney disease patients not receiving dialysis.
10.1016/j.krcp.2014.10.001
- Author:
Ha Young NA
1
;
Yong Kyu LEE
;
Sug Kyun SHIN
;
Dong Ho YANG
;
Woong CHEON
;
Jung Hwan PARK
;
Jong Ho LEE
;
Jong Oh SONG
;
Young Il JO
Author Information
1. Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. nephjo@kuh.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
Anemia;
Chronic kidney disease;
Darbepoetin-alpha;
Epoetin-alpha
- MeSH:
Anemia;
Cross-Over Studies*;
Dialysis*;
Erythropoiesis;
Erythropoietin;
Half-Life;
Humans;
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic*
- From:Kidney Research and Clinical Practice
2014;33(4):210-216
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Recent evidence demonstrates that high doses of epoetin-alpha (EPO-alpha) can be administrated at extended intervals, despite its relatively short serum half-life. However, no prospective randomized trials on the effects of extended dosing intervals of EPO-alpha compared with darbepoetin-alpha (DA-alpha) have been performed. This study was designed to investigate whether a single biweekly (Q2W) administration of a high dose of EPO-alpha is as effective as DA-alpha for anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients not receiving dialysis. METHODS: Sixty non-dialysis CKD patients were equally randomized to either Q2W subcutaneous EPO-alpha (10,000 unit) or DA-alpha (50microg) therapy groups for the first 6 weeks. After a 6-week washout period, the participants of the EPO-alpha and DA-alpha treatment groups switched to the alternate regimen for 6 weeks. The mean hemoglobin (Hb) levels after erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) therapy and percentage change in Hb levels from baseline to the end of the study were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean Hb levels of postESA therapy increased significantly compared with those of preESA therapy in both ESA regimens. The percentage increase in Hb levels and erythropoietin resistance index did not show a significant difference between the different ESA regimens. No difference was observed between the regimens regarding mean Hb levels after ESA therapy. Additionally, there were no serious adverse effects leading to withdrawal from treatment. CONCLUSION: Biweekly high doses of EPO-alpha therapy may be equally as effective as Q2W DA-alpha therapy in maintaining target Hb levels in non-dialysis CKD patients.
