The efficacy of monthly administration of darbepoetin alfa in Saudi hemodialysis patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents have improved the outcome and quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy and safety of conversion of hemodialysis patients from epoetin beta to darbepoetin alfa administered once a month. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 26 patients. Their mean age was 47.0 ± 17.13 years with a mean hemodialysis duration of 55.8 ± 14.0 months. The study was carried out in 2 consecutive phases of 12 weeks each. The mean initial dose of darbepoetin was 57 ± 10.0 μg biweekly. After maintaining target hemoglobin (Hgb) levels - (11-12 g/L) - with the biweekly injections, we shifted our patients to a once-monthly dose schedule. RESULTS: The mean weekly darbepoetin dose increased from 28.75 ± 4.2 μg during the biweekly phase to 38.5 ± 3.9 μg after switching to the monthly protocol (the mean conversion ratio changed from 309:1 to 256:1). The mean Hgb level was 10.81 ± .86 g/L at the start of the study and 10.86 ± .76 g/L at the end of 6 months. CONCLUSION: Our experience with darbepoetin alfa reveals that it is effective and safe for the treatment of anemia in hemodialysis patients even at monthly dose intervals.