[Use of venofer for iron deficiency correction in patients undergoing programmed hemodialysis]

To study iron metabolism in patients on programmed hemodialysis (PH) in oral and intravenous administration of iron drugs; to compare clinical and financial results of using such drugs.

A two-stage trial studied iron metabolism in 158 PH patients on replacement therapy with erythropoetin. They received correction of iron deficiency with oral drugs (stage I) and venofer (stage II).

The study of iron metabolism has found its deficiency in 2/3 patients receiving oral iron: absolute (48%) and relative (20%). Administration of venofer led to a 2-fold increase in the number of patients with normal iron metabolism. The target Hb and Ht were achieved in 2.5 times more patients than before venofer treatment. The dose of erythpoetin in such cases was reduced by 40%. Side effects were not observed. The week cost of venofer treatment per patient was lower by 22.5$ than the cost of treatment with oral iron drugs.

Venofer correction of iron deficiency in PH patients is more effective both clinically and financially than use of oral iron preparations.