A study on utilisation pattern and treatment outcome of erythropoietin and iron sucrose in chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a debilitating condition responsible for high morbidity and mortality and is a financial burden on government and society. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the changes from baseline Hb and Hct level after erythropoetin therapy. And also the changes from baseline serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels after iron sucrose therapy. For this a prospective observational study is carried out for 7 months between May 2006 to November 2006 including 55 patients in the renal unit at Kovai Medical Center and Hospital, a multi-speciality hospital in Coimbatore. Patients who were undergoing hemodialysis greater than 18 years of age during the study period and those patients who had a baseline Hb and Hct value of < 10 g/dL and < 30% were enrolled in the study. Results showed that the prevalence of CRF was more in men when compared to women. The study conclusion is that the increase in Hb value is dependent on erythropoietin dose, higher the dose, higher in Hb value after 6 months of treatment. Thus erythropoietin is shown to be effective in treating anemia in patients with CRF, but it is associated with higher costs of therapy. Our results concluded that iron sucrose is safe and effective when given for the treatment of iron deficiency or for maintenance of iron stores.