Darbepoetin Alfa Tested in Anemic HF Patients

Despite increasing hemoglobin concentration, this agent did not improve exercise capacity in a small, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Anemia, a common condition in heart failure (HF) patients, is associated with increased risk for death and hospitalization in these patients, as well as with reduced exercise tolerance and poor quality of life (QOL). Preliminary studies suggest that erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins (ESPs) might improve cardiac function, renal function, exercise tolerance, and QOL in anemic patients with HF.

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial sponsored by the manufacturer of darbepoetin alfa, a long-acting ESP, researchers enrolled 41 iron-replete adults with symptomatic HF, LV ejection fractions ≤40%, documented exercise intolerance, and hemoglobin concentrations of 9.0 to 12.0 g/dL. Patients with blood pressure ≥160/100 mm Hg or crea…

Reviewing Author

Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH

Darbepoetin Alfa Tested in Anemic HF Patients

Topics

Reviewing Author