Another Adverse Effect of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents

ESA dosing to normalize hemoglobin levels might hasten progression of renal disease.

In randomized trials of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to treat anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD), patients treated to target hemoglobin levels >13 g/dL were more likely to experience adverse cardiovascular events than those with lower targets (JW Gen Med Nov 15 2006). In this new analysis, investigators from one of those trials — the CHOIR study — focus on renal outcomes.

In the industry-supported CHOIR trial, about 1400 patients with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate, 15–50 mL/minute/1.73 m²; hemoglobin <11 g/dL) were randomized to target hemoglobin levels of either 13.5 g/dL or 11.3 g/dL using epoetin alfa. During median follow-up of 16 months, incidence of the primary composite endpoint (doubling of serum creatinin…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose