Varying intervals of subcutaneous epoetin alfa in hemodialysis patients.
BACKGROUND
The optimal subcutaneous (SC) epoetin alfa strategy is unestablished. The individual variability in dose requirements needs consideration. In this study, prolonged intervals were assessed in relation to varying dose requirements.


METHODS
The study included 153 hemodialysis (HD) patients on stable SC epoetin alfa. Based on dose requirements, the patients received either 4,000 U (group I, n=51) or 10,000 U (group II, n=102) as whole 1 mL vials at prolonged intervals. The study comprised three 8-week periods: an initial period maintaining the basal regimens, an adjustment period where the intervals were prolonged, and a maintenance period. Alterations in hemoglobin (Hb), weekly doses and intervals in each group were compared.


RESULTS
One hundred and thirty-seven patients completed the study (48 in group I and 89 in group II). In group I, the mean interval was prolonged from 5.4 +/- 1.9 to 7.8 +/- 3.1 days (p=0,01) with stable Hb and EPO doses. In group II, prolonged intervals were associated with a reduction in mean Hb below target level and a significant increase in EPO doses (p=0,002). Iron deficiency and inflammation could explain the poor response in approximately one-third of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In HD patients, the optimal injection frequency should be individually adjusted. Prolonged intervals can be applied to patients with low-dose requirements. Observing iron status and inflammation is necessary for optimal response.
Beshara
Soheir
S
Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. soheir.beshara@medsci.uu.se
Bàràny
Peter
P
Gutierrez
Alberto
A
Wikstrom
Bjorn
B
D000368:Aged; D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013548:Sweden; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa