Hepatic computed tomography for monitoring the iron status of haemodialysis patients with haemosiderosis treated with recombinant human erythropoietin

1991 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio De Marchi ◽  
Emanuela Cecchin

1. A randomized, partial-crossover study was conducted in uraemic patients with dialysis-associated anaemia and transfusional iron overload to evaluate the effects of desferrioxamine chelation therapy and of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment on hepatic iron storage determined by computed tomography, as well as by serum ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation. 2. Twenty-one haemodialysis patients with moderate iron overload, confirmed by values of serum ferritin concentration, transferrin saturation and hepatic computed tomography density exceeding 1000 μg/l, 45% and 68 Hounsfield units respectively, were randomly allocated to three groups and were followed for 12 months. 3. During the first 6 months group 1 (n = 7) received desferrioxamine chelation therapy (30 mg/kg intravenously three times a week) and group 2 (n = 7) underwent recombinant human erythropoietin treatment (36 units/kg intravenously three times a week). Thereafter, in the second 6 months of observation patients in group 1 were switched to receive recombinant human erythropoietin. Because of a poor response in the desferrioxaminetreated group in the initial 6 months, patients in group 2 continued on the maintenance dose of recombinant human erythropoietin (18 units/kg three times a week) until the end of the trial. Patients in group 3 (n = 7) were maintained on placebo throughout the study. 4. In comparison with placebo, recombinant human erythropoietin treatment, but not desferrioxamine chelation therapy, reduced serum ferritin concentration, transferrin saturation and hepatic computed tomography density, and was associated with a rise in haemoglobin and packed cell volume. Hepatic computed tomography density, serum ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation decreased in 13 out of 14 patients (93%) during treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin. However, when the changes in hepatic computed tomography density were compared with those in the biochemical indices, we observed that the decreases in serum ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation were much slower and delayed. More specifically, within 6 months of starting recombinant human erythropoietin treatment, hepatic computed tomography density was normalized in 13 out of 14 patients (93%), whereas serum ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation were within the normal limits in only two (14%) and six patients (43%), respectively. 5. In conclusion, the strategies for monitoring the iron status of haemodialysis patients with transfusional haemosiderosis may evolve to a new level of sophistication with the introduction of computed tomography scanning. This technique has the advantage of estimating directly the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment on hepatic iron storage. Hepatic computed tomography density is complementary to serum ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation in monitoring the iron status of haemodialysis patients treated with recombinant human erythropoietin.

Author(s):  
C Ford ◽  
F E Wells ◽  
J N Rogers

Biochemical evidence of iron overload (transferrin saturation greater than 60% and/or serum ferritin concentration greater than 1000 μg/L) was observed in 16% of patients admitted to an alcohol withdrawal unit. No subjects in an age and sex matched control group showed such biochemical changes. Whilst changes in serum ferritin concentration closely correlated with aspartate aminotransferase activity and could be explained by alcohol induced liver damage, the increased transferrin saturation was not similarly explained. In nine patients withdrawal of alcohol resulted in a decrease in transferrin saturation and serum ferritin, the former due to a reduction in serum iron concentration. In patients with high alcohol intake biochemical measures of iron status may be misleading and a decrease in both transferrin saturation and serum ferritin concentration after withdrawal of alcohol may help to rule out the possible diagnosis of hereditary haemochromatosis.


Blood ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 79 (10) ◽  
pp. 2741-2748 ◽  
Author(s):  
NF Olivieri ◽  
G Koren ◽  
D Matsui ◽  
PP Liu ◽  
L Blendis ◽  
...  

Abstract In patients with thalassemia intermedia in whom hyperabsorption of iron may result in serious organ dysfunction, an orally effective iron- chelating drug would have major therapeutic advantages, especially for the many patients with thalassemia intermedia in the Third World. We report reduction in tissue iron stores and normalization of serum ferritin concentration after 9-month therapy with the oral chelator 1,2- dimethyl-3-hydroxypyrid-4-one (L1) in a 29-year-old man with thalassemia intermedia and clinically significant iron overload (SF 2,174 micrograms/L, transferrin saturation 100%; elevated AST and ALT, abnormal cardiac radionuclide angiogram) who was enrolled in the study with L1 75 mg/kg/day after he refused deferoxamine therapy. L1-Induced 24-hour urinary iron excretion during the first 6 months of therapy was (mean +/- SD, range) 53 +/- 30 (11 to 109) mg (0.77 mg/kg), declining during the last 3 months of L1 to 24 +/- 14 (13–40) mg (0.36 mg/kg), as serum ferritin decreased steadily to normal range (present value, 251 micrograms/L). Dramatic improvement in signal intensity of the liver and mild improvement in that of the heart was shown by comparison of T1- weighted spin echo magnetic resonance imaging with images obtained immediately before L1 administration was observed after 9 months of L1 therapy. Hepatic iron concentration decreased from 14.6 mg/g dry weight of liver before L1 therapy to 1.9 mg/g liver after 9 months of therapy. This constitutes the first report of normalization of serum ferritin concentration in parallel with demonstrated reduction in tissue iron stores as a result of treatment with L1. Use of L1 as a therapeutic option in patients with thalassemia intermedia and iron overload appears warranted.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 4891-4891
Author(s):  
Mohamed A. Yassin ◽  
Ashraf T Soliman ◽  
Vincenzo Desanctis ◽  
Sandara Abusamaan ◽  
Ahmed Elsotouhy ◽  
...  

Abstract Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by excessive intestinal absorption of dietary iron, causing iron overload in different organs, especially the liver. Hemochromatosis may not be recognized until later in life. Patients are usually asymptomatic but may present with a variety of signs and symptoms. These include: hyper-pigmented skin, hepatomegaly, arthralgia, diabetes mellitusand/or heart failure/arrhythmia. The risk of HH related morbidity in HFE compound homozygotes patients (H63D /H63D) is considered rare, we report a male patient with H63D mutation who developed impaired glucose tolerance, and high hepatic enzymes due to significant iron accumulation in the liver as well as Parkinsonian-like syndrome due to iron deposition in the basal ganglia. A 40 year old Qatari male was referred for evaluation of a rise in hemoglobin and hematocrit values with normal MCV, total leucocyte and platelet counts. The patient was asymptomatic with normal vital signs, no depigmentation or hepato-splenomegaly. Hematologic findings included a hemoglobin concentration of Hb 16.5 g/dL, hematocrit 53%, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 93 fL/red cell, leucocyte count of 7200/ μL and a platelet count of 199000/μL. His serum ferritin was 359 μg/l ( normal values: < 336 μg/l), serum iron: 37 μmol/l ( normal values <28.6μmol/l), fasting transferrin saturation: 64% (normal < 50%). A random glucose 6.5 and 6.4 mmol/L (normal values 5.5mmol/L ), A1C of 5,4 %, normal creatinine and electrolytes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of 66 U/l (normal < 40U/l), mild elevation of bilirubin 39 umol/l (normal <24umol/l), normal U&E Hepatitis B and C antibodies were negative. OGTT revealed impaired glucose tolerance. Thyroid function, morning serum cortisol, LH and FSH and serum total testosterone concentrations were in the normal range. A diagnosis of polycythemia vera was excluded on the basis of WHO Criteria 2008. The polymerase chain restriction assay was negative for the common mutation (C282Y) but positive for H63 D mutation. Family screening confirmed HH in his brother (homozygous), whereas his mother, two brothers and the sister were carriers (heterozygous). His four offspring were carriers. This suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Conventional MRI study showed a normal liver size with diffuse fatty changes and focal areas of fatty sparing with some evidence of iron deposition. Whereas, T2-star (T2*) sequences showed a diffuse and significant decrease in liver signal intensity. A LIC liver concentration of 27 mg Fe/g dry wt was found (normalvalues:< 2 mg Fe/g dry wt; severe iron overload: ≥15 mg Fe/g dry wt). No significant iron deposition in the spleen, heart or pancreas was observed. At the age of 41 years the patient complained of tremors in both hands and arms while sitting or standing still (resting tremor) that improved with hands movements. A brain MRI revealed iron deposition in the basal ganglion. It was concluded that basal ganglionicn iron deposition mediated the neurological decline. Currently, the transferrin saturation and serum ferritin levels are within normal. Discussion: This is the first case of HH secondary to H63 D among an Arab family and the first reported case of Parkinsonism tremors secondary to this mutation. The H63D HFE variant is less frequently associated with HH, but its role in the neurodegenerative diseases has received a great attention. An accurate evaluation of iron overload is necessary to establish the diagnosis of HH and to guide iron chelation in HH by determination of liver iron concentration (LIC) by means of T2* MRI. Although serum ferritin concentration was only mildly increased a significant siderosis in the liver was detected by MRI T2* technique occurred. Liver siderosis was associated with mild impairment of liver function (increased serum ALT and bilirubin ). Conclusion: Our data further confirm that serum ferritin levels are not an accurate measure of total body iron stores in HH. Iron deposition in the liver and basal ganglion occurred despite mild elevation of ferritin. changes in basal ganglion may present by parkinsonian like tremors in these patients Use,T2* MRI should be encouraged in patients with HH for better evaluation of Iron overload and avoidance of Complications since serum ferritin can be misleading in these conditions. Disclosures Yassin: Qatar National research fund: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Aldewik:Qatar Ntional Research Fund: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.


2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Desmansyah Desmansyah ◽  
Rini Purnamasari ◽  
Theodorus Theodorus ◽  
Sulaiman Waiman

Background Iron deficiency is considered to be a major public health problem around the world due to its high prevalence as well as its effect on growth, development, and infection-resistance in children. In malaria-endemic areas, malaria infection is thought to contribute to the occurrence of iron deficiency, by means of hepcidin and hemolysis mechanisms. Objective To assess the prevalence of asymptomatic vivax malaria, compare hemoglobin levels and iron status parameters between vivax malaria-infected and uninfected children, assess the prevalence of iron deficiency, and evaluate a possible correlation between vivax malaria infection and iron deficiency. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2013 at Sanana City of Sula Islands District, North Maluku. Six parameters were evaluated in 5-11-year-old children: malaria parasite infection, hemoglobin level, serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), serum transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin concentration. Results Among 296 children aged 5-11 years, 75 (25.3%) were infected with Plasmodium vivax. In infected children, hemoglobin, serum iron, transferrin saturation, TIBC and serum ferritin were significantly lower than in non-infected children (P<0.01). Using a serum ferritin cut-off of <15 μg/dL, 142 (48.0%) of the children were found to be iron deficient. There was a strong correlation between vivax malaria infection and iron deficiency (OR 3.573; 95%CI 2.03-6.29). ConclusionThe prevalence of asymptomatic vivax malaria infection was 25.3%. The hemoglobin level and iron status parameters in vivax malaria-infected subjects were significantly lower than in uninfected children. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 48.0% for all study subjects. Malaria vivax infection was correlated with iron deficiency in 5-11-year-old children at Sanana City.


1994 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1216-1222
Author(s):  
N Muirhead ◽  
D C Cattran ◽  
J Zaltzman ◽  
K Jindal ◽  
M R First ◽  
...  

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is effective in correcting anemia in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and predialysis patients. Limited studies in patients with failing renal allografts suggest a similar efficacy but provide little information concerning benefits, dose requirements, or adverse events. This study examined these considerations in a group of 40 patients (18 men; 22 women) aged 40.3 +/- 13.8 yr with stable, chronic renal allograft failure. All patients had a hemoglobin < 95 g/L and a serum creatinine > 250 mumol/L at baseline. Patients received rHuEPO (50 U/kg sc) three times weekly for 24 wk along with iron po if serum ferritin was < 100 micrograms/L. Mean hemoglobin rose from 78.9 +/- 10.4 to 102.6 +/- 18.4 g/L after 24 wk. Mean rHuEPO dose at 24 wk was 129.8 +/- 81.9 U/kg per week. With oral iron supplementation only, serum ferritin fell throughout the 24 wk, whereas serum iron, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity remained stable. Quality of life was assessed by use of the general Sickness Impact Profile and the disease-specific Transplant Disease Questionnaire measures at baseline and every 8 wk during rHuEPO therapy. Significant improvement was noted in global Sickness Impact Profile scores and in four of five dimensions of the Transplant Disease Questionnaire. Serious adverse events were infrequent. No change in mean systolic or diastolic blood pressure was noted, although there was a significantly increased need for antihypertensive drugs in 18 patients (P = 0.0002). A significant inverse correlation was noted between baseline renal function and maintenance rHuEPO dose (r = -0.45; P < 0.05). Twelve patients returned to dialysis during the study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 1552-1552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Lerchenmueller ◽  
Faress Husseini ◽  
Bernd Gaede ◽  
Tony Mossman ◽  
Tamas Suto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aim: The role of IV iron supplementation during treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with CIA is of increasing interest as a possible means of improving response. This randomized, open-label, multicenter study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IV iron vs standard practice in CIA patients receiving darbepoetin alfa. Interim efficacy analyses showed a higher response rate for darbepoetin alfa with IV iron compared to darbepoetin alfa with standard iron practice with no difference in the safety profile between the treatment arms (Vanderbroek et al, EHA 2006). Iron parameters are reported here. Methods: Eligible patients were diagnosed with a non-myeloid malignancy and had CIA with a baseline hemoglobin (Hb) value < 11g/dL. All patients received darbepoetin alfa 500 mcg administered Q3W with the SureClick™ prefilled autoinjector. Patients were randomized 1:1 to IV iron 200 mg (single dose Q3W at the same time as darbepoetin alfa or in 2 doses of 100 mg within 3 weeks) or standard practice (oral iron or no iron). Randomization was stratified by tumor type and baseline Hb category (< 10 or ≥10 g/dL). Results: A total of 400 patients were randomized. Mean (SD) age of the study population was 61.4 (11.5) years; range, 20–86. Sixty percent (n=241) of participants were women; 28% (n=114) had lung or gynecological tumors; and 52% (n=208) had a baseline Hb value ≥10 g/dL. In the interim analysis population (n=196), the mean (SD) weekly dose of IV iron was 64.8 (6.6) mg in the IV iron group (n=100). In the standard practice group, 28 of 96 patients (29%) received oral iron and 2 (2%) received IV iron (these patients were analyzed as randomized). Mean (standard error) serum ferritin concentrations and percent transferrin saturation (TSAT) in the 2 groups from baseline (BL) to end of study (EOS) are shown in the figure. Conclusions: The combination of darbepoetin alfa Q3W and IV iron appeared to be associated with a trend toward increased mean serum ferritin levels compared to the standard practice control arm. In contrast, mean TSAT surprisingly appeared to be similar in the 2 groups for most of the study period, perhaps suggesting that TSAT is influenced by other factors. Iron management appears to be an important factor in the response to ESAs and the findings presented here suggest the need for additional exploration into iron uptake and demand in cancer patients treated with darbepoetin alfa. Serum Ferritin Concentration Serum Ferritin Concentration Transferrin Saturation (%) Transferrin Saturation (%)


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3729-3729
Author(s):  
Onyinye C. Onyekwere ◽  
Tiffany N. Johnson ◽  
Margaret Fadojutimi-Akinsiku ◽  
Fitzroy Dawkins ◽  
Victor Gordeuk

Abstract Non-HFE primary iron overload exists in African Americans and other ethnic groups, but the prevalence and spectrum of clinical manifestations are not known. In the HEIRS (Hereditary Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening) Study, participants were considered for further evaluation if the serum ferritin concentration was elevated and the transferrin saturation was more than 45% for women or 50% for men. We hypothesized that these screening criteria would miss a substantial number of African Americans and members of other ethnic groups with increased iron stores. In the process of screening 21,231 predominantly African-American and Hispanic primary care patients at the Howard University field center of the HEIRS Study, we identified 161 non-HFE-C282Y homozygotes ≥ 25 years of age with serum ferritin concentrations above the 97.5 percentile for the population (&gt;700 ng/ml for men and &gt;500 ng/ml for women) but transferrin saturations in the upper part of the normal range (35–50% for men and 30–45% for women). Of the 123 participants we were able to contact, 68 (55%) participated in a clinical evaluation, including 64 African Americans, three Hispanics and one Asian American with a mean ± SD age of 57 ± 13 years. Thirty-eight (56%) were females, 6 (9%) were HFE H63D heterozygotes and 2 (3%) were C282Y heterozygotes. Seven patients (10%) had normal serum ferritin concentration on repeat testing while 42 (62%) had potential reasons for elevated serum ferritin concentration other than a primary increase in body iron including (sequentially) multiple blood transfusions (&gt;10 lifetime; n = 4), abnormal liver function tests (hepatitis C positive or AST &gt;60 IU/L and AST&gt;ALT; n = 17), hemoglobin &lt; 10 g/dL men or 9 g/dL women (n = 1), elevated C-reactive protein with transferrin saturation not elevated (n = 17), and excessive alcohol use (n = 3). Nineteen patients did not have these explanations for increased serum ferritin concentration and were considered to have a possible primary iron-loading process (see Table). One of the patients with unexplained elevated serum ferritin concentration (an African American) had a diagnostic liver biopsy showing 2-3+ hepatocellular iron and heavy iron deposition in Kupffer cells and is on phlebotomy therapy; the others have been advised to have diagnostic liver biopsy or quantitative phlebotomy. We conclude that there are substantial numbers of African Americans with elevated serum ferritin concentration and normal transferrin saturation who have transfusional iron overload or a probable primary increase in body iron stores. Characteristics of 19 Patients with Unexplained Serum Ferritin Elevations No. (%) of Women 8 (42) Age inyears (mean ± SD) 63 ± 14 Race (African American:Hispanic:Asian) 16:2:1 Hemoglobin in g.dL (mean ± SD) Men 13.8 ±1.5 Hemoglobin in g.dL (mean ± SD) Women 12.9 ± 0.8 HFE mutations in no. (%) C282Y heterozygotes 0 (0) HFE mutations in no. (%) H63D heterozygotes 2 (11) Ferritin category in no. (%) &lt; 500 ng/ml 7 (37) Ferritin category in no. (%) 500–1000 ng/ml 9(57) Ferritin category in no. (%) 1000 ng/ml&gt; 3 (16)


Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 2672-2672
Author(s):  
Christine E. McLaren ◽  
Victor R. Gordeuk ◽  
Wen-Pin Chen ◽  
James C. Barton ◽  
Ronald T. Acton ◽  
...  

Abstract In previous investigations, we modeled the distribution of transferrin saturation (TS) in Caucasians and demonstrated a strong association between HFE genotype and TS subpopulations. Extending this approach, we now have analyzed joint population distributions of TS and serum ferritin concentration (SF) measured in the multi-ethnic Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening (HEIRS) Study and examined the association of these distributions with the presence of HFE C282Y and H63D mutations, self-reported liver disease, and iron deficiency (defined as SF &lt;15 μg/L). Based on separate models for each race/ethnicity by gender, four components with successively increasing age-adjusted means for TS and SF were identified in data from 26,832 African Americans, 12,620 Asians, 12,264 Hispanics, and 43,254 Whites. Fig. 1 illustrates age-adjusted values from 16,662 White men. Superimposed 95% confidence ellipses reflect component probability densities and show separation of the 1st and 4th components that had the lowest and highest means for TS and SF, respectively. Table 1 presents the range of estimates from individual models and indicates that the 2nd (largest) component had TS means of 22–26% for women (29–30% for men) and SF means of 43–82 μg/L for women (165–242 μg/L for men). The 3rd and 4th components had progressively smaller proportions and higher mean values of TS and SF, while the 1st component in each model had mean TS &lt;16% for women (&lt;20% for men), and mean SF &lt;28 μg/L for women (&lt;47 μg/L for men). Compared to the 2nd component: adjusted odds of iron deficiency were significantly higher in the 1st component (15–48 for women, 61–3530 for men); adjusted odds of self-reported liver disease were significantly higher in the 3rd and 4th components for African-American women and all men; and adjusted odds of any HFE mutation were increased in the 3rd component (1.4–1.8 for women, 1.2–1.9 for men) and in the 4th component for Hispanic and White women (1.5, 5.2, respectively) and men (2.8, 4.7, respectively). Joint mixture modeling identifies one component with lower mean SF and TS at risk for iron deficiency and two components with higher mean SF and TS at risk for liver disorders and HFE mutations. This approach permits characterization of the aggregate effects of hereditary or acquired factors that influence these serum iron measures in populations, and complements and enhances genetic and phenotypic testing for assessment of disease characteristics. Table 1 Range of estimates from models.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 4881-4881
Author(s):  
Michal Romiszewski ◽  
Michal Matysiak ◽  
Katarzyna Pawelec

Abstract Introduction Children with ALL during the intensive chemotherapy receive multiple transfusions of packed red blood cell (pRBC) that may lead to iron overload. With each transfusion of pRBC the body is supplied with an about 200-250 mg of iron, which excessive accumulation in tissues, due to the lack of mechanism for its active excretion, may cause toxic organ damage. Methods The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum ferritin concentration in children with ALL, depending on the amount of transfused pRBCs and to determine the group of patients with a risk of iron overload. The study patients included 54 children with newly diagnosed ALL treated at the Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology between 2008 and 2011, according to the ALL IC BFM 2002 therapy protocol. Prior to initiation the treatment and during the intensive chemotherapy, serum ferritin concentration and the number of pRBC transfusions (ml/kg) were assessed separately for each of the three ALL risk groups-standard risk (SR), intermediate risk (IR) and high risk (HR). Results After the intensive chemotherapy the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of serum ferritin concentration in group HR (2770 ± 1175 ng/ml) was significantly higher compared to the median in group SR 844.4 ng/ml (452.5; 1316) (p = 0.0007) and the mean ± SD in group IR-1270 ± 673.1 ng/ml (p = 0.0040). Throughout the intensive chemotherapy children in HR group received the largest volume of pRBC transfusions (ml/kg) (156.2 ± 68.31 ml/kg). In IR and SR groups the amounts of transfused pRBCs were comparable, respectively 113.5 ± 39.86 and 113.8 ± 29.56 ml/kg. Significant positive correlation was found between the serum ferritin concentration and the total amount of transfused pRBCs (ml/kg) after intensive chemotherapy (p <0.0001). After intensive treatment the concentration of serum ferritin exceeding 1000 ng/ml, that has traditionally been used as a trigger for chelation therapy, was found in 30 of 54 patients, for a prevalence in the entire cohort of 55,6% including 6 out of 6 patients in HR group (100%), 14 out of 22 patients in IR group (63,6%) and 10 out of 24 patients in SR group (41,7%). The group of patients with post-treatment serum ferritin concentration exceeding 1000 ng/mL, received significantly more pRBC transfusions (ml/kg) (139.8 ± 44.92) than the groups with serum ferritin levels between 500-1000 ng/mL (103.6 ± 18.96) (p <0.001) and <500 ng/mL-83.52 ± 17.66 (p <0.05). Conclusions These observations indicate a need of monitoring the cumulative volumes of pRBC transfusions, especially in children with ALL HR group. There is a need of routine screening for iron overload using serum ferritin in patients during intensive chemotherapy, in order to identify patients with indications for early iron chelation therapy. This is particularly important because some of them will be candidates to a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, whereas iron overload adversely affects outcome of transplantation. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 564-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marios Theodoridis ◽  
Ploumis Passadakis ◽  
Pelagia Kriki ◽  
Stelios Panagoutsos ◽  
Evangelos Yannatos ◽  
...  

Background Although subcutaneous administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients is a widely accepted recommendation, the lowest possible frequency of an efficient dosing regimen remains controversial. Darbepoetin alpha, a new erythropoiesis-stimulating protein with a threefold longer serum half-life compared with rHuEPO, has greater in vivo potency and can be administered less frequently to obtain the same biological response. This study assessed the efficacy of darbepoetin administered once monthly in the treatment of anemia in CAPD patients. Patients and Methods In this single-center, prospective cohort study, 11 stable CAPD patients (5 males, 6 females; mean age 68.8 ± 14.1 years; mean duration on peritoneal dialysis 31.6 ± 13 months) maintained average hemoglobin and hematocrit levels of 12.09 ± 1.29 g/dL and 37.29% ± 3.58%, respectively, while receiving a mean weekly maintenance dose of epoetin alfa of 129 IU/kg. These same patients were assigned to receive the equivalent weekly darbepoetin dose once monthly for 24 consecutive weeks. Hematological response, iron status (transferrin saturation, serum ferritin levels), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the patients’ biochemical profiles were evaluated monthly. Results During the monthly administration of darbepoetin, mean serum levels of Hb and Hct were 12.17 ± 1.28 g/dL and 37.1% ± 1.19% respectively. No statistically significant difference was apparent between the previous and monthly dosing values (12.09 ± 1.29 vs 12.17 ± 1.28 g/dL, p = 0.769, and 37.29% ± 3.58% vs 37.1% ± 1.19%, p = 0.752). Transferrin saturation levels as well as serum ferritin levels also remained unchanged (30.4% ± 8.6% vs 30.1% ± 9.4%, NS, and 556 ± 212 vs 621 ± 234 ng/mL, respectively, NS). Conclusion These results indicate that darbepoetin alfa can be effectively given subcutaneously at monthly intervals for the treatment of anemia in stable CAPD patients. However, more studies are needed to validate the long-term efficacy of this monthly subcutaneous administration.


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