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  • Title: An observational study of the effectiveness of darbepoetin alpha administered in dialysis patients once every 2 weeks for 12 months.
    Author: Rottembourg JB, Bridges I, Pronai W, Feriani M, McMahon LP, De Meester JM, Farouk M, Molemans B.
    Journal: Clin Nephrol; 2011 Mar; 75(3):242-50. PubMed ID: 21329635.
    Abstract:
    AIMS: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are recommended for managing renal anemia. ALTERNATE is an observational study in European and Australian dialysis patients evaluating darbepoetin a (DA) once every 2 weeks (Q2W) in clinical practice. METHODS: Adult dialysis patients initiating treatment with DA Q2W were eligible regardless of previous/current ESA use. Data were collected 6 months before and 12 months after Q2W initiation. The primary endpoint was hemoglobin (Hb) concentration 12 months after initiation. RESULTS: A total of 6,112 patients were enrolled; 6,104 were eligible (87% hemodialysis, 12% peritoneal dialysis). Before initiation, 77.3%, 8.8%, and 7.8% of patients were receiving DA, epoetin beta, and epoetin alpha, respectively; 6% were ESA naïve. Mean (95% CI) Hb (g/dl) was 11.68 (11.63-11.72) 6 months before initiation, 12.00 (11.97-12.04) at initiation, and 11.62 (11.58-11.66) 12 months after initiation. Geometric mean (95% CI) weekly ESA dose (µg/wk) was 27.27 (26.62-27.93) immediately before initiation, 23.69 (23.28 - 24.10) at initiation, and 26.80 (26.12-27.49) 12 months after initiation. At month 12, 77.3% of patients were receiving DA Q2W. CONCLUSIONS: This large observational study demonstrates that Hb concentrations can be effectively maintained over 12 months in a general dialysis population with DA Q2W without an increase in ESA dose.
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