Comparison of hemoglobin variability between short- and intermediate-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents: a retrospective cohort study
- Author:
Da Eun PARK
1
;
Hae Dong CHOI
;
Young Eun PARK
;
Ki Baek KIM
;
A Young KIM
;
Kyu Hyang CHO
;
Jong Won PARK
;
Jun Young DO
;
Seok Hui KANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original article
- From: Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2026;43(1):36-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:0
-
Abstract:
Background:This study aims to compare the effects of short- and intermediate-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) on hemoglobin (Hb) variability in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 119 patients who were classified into two groups based on ESA type: short-acting ESA (epoetin alfa/beta [EPO], n=48) and intermediate-acting ESA (darbepoetin alfa [DPO], n=71). Hb levels were measured 11 times at 4-week intervals from ESA therapy initiation to 40 weeks of follow-up. This study used established metrics from previous research, including standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and residual SD, to quantify Hb variability.
Results:Over the 40-week study period with 4-week measurement intervals, mean Hb levels were comparable between the two ESA groups. In the EPO and DPO groups, SD was 0.67±0.19 g/dL and 0.69±0.22 g/dL, respectively (p=0.516), CV was 0.06±0.02 and 0.07±0.02, respectively (p=0.480), and residual SD was 0.73±0.21 g/dL and 0.76±0.26 g/dL, respectively (p=0.463). No significant differences in Hb variability were observed between the groups over 40 weeks using SD, CV, and residual SD.
Conclusion:This retrospective cohort study showed comparable mean Hb levels and Hb variability indices between groups. With respect to Hb variability, the findings reveal no clear basis for prioritizing either short-acting or intermediate-acting ESA.
