[Effectiveness of subcutaneous and intravenous epoetin alpha in haemodialysed patients].
According to recommendations of exclusively intravenous administration of erythropoietin alpha (EPOalpha) produced in Europe (Eprex-Janssen-Cilag), we compared the effectiveness of EPOalpha during 6 months of the therapy after conversion from s.c. to i.v. route in 21 hemodialysed patients.


METHODS
The inclusion criteria were as follows: stable blood morphology over the 3 months before conversion; haemoglobin concentration > 10.0 g/dl; transferrin saturation > 20% and serum ferritin > 200 microg/l. Dose of EPOalpha was verified every month in the course of the study, depending on actual haemoglobin concentration.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in haemoglobin concentration and EPOalpha dose in all monitored time intervals. We didn't find any differences in transferrin saturation, serum albumin concentration and haemodialysis adequacy between starting values and results after 6 months of the therapy. Only values of CRP, serum ferritin concentration and iPTH were significantly higher after 6 months of i.v. EPOalpha therapy comparing to the initial data.


CONCLUSIONS
in hemodialysed patients with adequate iron stores and stable values of haemoglobin change of the route of EPOalpha administration from s.c. to i.v. is not connected with the increase of the dose of EPOalpha to maintain the haemoglobin values in the target range.
Zelichowski
Grzegorz
G
Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny, Klinika Nefrologii ze Stacja Dializ CSK MON w Warszawie.
Lubas
Arkadiusz
A
Wańkowicz
Zofia
Z
D000368:Aged; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa