Epoetin-beta (Recormon-Roche) in the treatment of renal anemia in patients with chronic renal failure

In the study a clinical assessment is made of the results of treatment of patients with renal anemia by epoetin-beta.

Thirty two patients (22 women, 10 men) with chronic renal failure and anemia, ranging from 18 to 77 years of age (mean age 46.29 +/- 5.84), were recruited for the study. All patients underwent treatment with epoetin-beta (Recormon, Boehringer-La Roche). The criterion for inclusion in the study was presence of severe anemia (HGB < 90 g/l). Extrarenal causes for the anemia were excluded in all patients. The main treatment objective was to increase hemoglobin to 100-120 g/l. All patients received concomitant iron supplementation at constant control of the iron status. The predialysis patients were administered iron perorally (200 mg/day) while the patients on chronic hemodialysis were given iron parenterally (intravenously) (Venofer, 100 mg/day).

Anemia was significantly corrected. Hemoglobin level rose significantly from 77.15 +/- 2.32 g/l before treatment to 110.71 +/- 6.25 g/l at the end of month three. It remained less than 100 g/l for the time of study only in one patient. Neo-Recormon had a considerable positive effect on the overall condition of patients. No significant changes were found in the rate of progression of renal failure nor were there any marked side effects and intolerability to the drug observed.

Anemia was significantly corrected in the renal anemia patients treated with epoetin beta. In predialysis patients iron supplementation can be effectively administered orally. If given in high doses (more than 4000 IU/kg), epoetin-beta can cause rapid increase of the hematologic parameters, especially in the initial phase of treatment; this affects adversely arterial pressure which necessitates changes in the antihypertensive therapy. Erythropoietin therapy reduces and even eliminates the need of transfusion in patients with chronic renal anemia.