Benefits of early utilization of intravenous iron.
Better anemia management has dramatically improved the lives of many patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Nephrology professionals frequently use two tools--erythropoietin and supplemental iron--to manage anemia. The National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-DOQI) suggests that most ESRD patients will need intravenous (i.v.) iron to optimize their response to erythropoietin. In this report, the author reviews published studies showing that i.v. iron reduces erythropoietin dose requirements, resulting in cost savings. She presents data from her center illustrating that i.v. administration of the newly approved Ferrlecit (sodium ferric gluconate) also improves anemia management and reduces erythropoietin dose requirements. The author reviews studies showing the efficacy of i.v. iron as monotherapy for anemia in ESRD patients. These data support the importance of i.v. iron as an agent to be used alone or in conjunction with erythropoietin in the management of anemia in patients with ESRD.
Vogel
S
S
South Valley Regional Dialysis Center, Inc. Encino, CA, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D017046:Cost Savings; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016527:Drug Costs; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013997:Time Factors
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D004921:Erythropoietin; C035552:ferric gluconate