[Adherence to treatment with erythropoiesis stimulating agents]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pharmacology
• Hematology

Background:

• Anemia is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) are frequently used to manage anemia in CKD.
• Understanding treatment adherence is crucial for optimizing ESA efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate adherence to ESA treatment in CKD patients.
• To determine the relationship between ESA adherence and treatment response.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 198 CKD patients over two years.
• Assessed adherence via medication possession rate (non-adherent <90%).
• Measured effectiveness by hemoglobin target attainment and increase.

Main Results:

• Average adherence was 89.6%, with 8.6% classified as non-adherent.
• Eighty-seven percent of patients achieved their hemoglobin target.
• ESA treatment response was independent of patient adherence levels.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to ESA treatment in CKD patients is generally good.
• No significant correlation was found between the degree of adherence and the level of response to ESA therapy.