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  • Title: Management of anemia in erythropoietin-resistant hemodialysis patients.
    Author: Dar Santos AE, Shalansky KF, Jastrzebski JP.
    Journal: Ann Pharmacother; 2003 Dec; 37(12):1768-73. PubMed ID: 14632604.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Human recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is administered to patients with end-stage renal disease for treatment of anemia. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a structured team approach to anemia management in rHuEPO-resistant hemodialysis patients. METHODS: This was an 8-month prospective, open-label, quality-improvement initiative. Nineteen patients in a 160-bed hemodialysis unit receiving rHuEPO doses >300 units/kg/wk were defined as rHuEPO-resistant. Hemoglobin (Hb), iron indices, parathyroid hormone, folate, B12, aluminum, and reticulocyte counts were determined at baseline. The former 3 parameters were followed every 6, 12, and 26 weeks, respectively. Vascular access flow was regularly assessed via ultrasonic dilution methodology. Target Hb was 12.0-13.5 g/dL. All factors potentially contributing to rHuEPO resistance were assessed and, if possible, treated every 6 weeks by a dedicated anemia team. Downward rHuEPO dosage adjustments of 12.5-25% to the closest 1000 units were considered if underlying causes of rHuEPO resistance could not be identified or reversed, or if the Hb rose beyond the target level. RESULTS: Dysfunctional vascular access and iron deficiency were the predominant treatable factors associated with rHuEPO resistance. At 8 months, mean rHuEPO dosage decreased significantly from 469 to 319 units/kg/wk (p < 0.001) and mean Hb increased significantly from 10.6 to 11.6 g/dL (p = 0.023). Eight-month cost savings approximated $45 000 (CDN$). CONCLUSIONS: A structured team approach to the management of rHuEPO-resistant patients was successful in significantly lowering rHuEPO dosage with improvement in serum Hb at a substantial cost savings.
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