Abstract | BACKGROUND/AIMS: METHODS: The ESA prescription and current haemoglobin (Hb) concentration for all patients on haemodialysis (HD) treatment for at least 3 months was extracted from the renal data system. RESULTS: A total of 403 patients were analysed, 184 (46%) were prescribed epoetin beta and 219 (54%) darbepoetin alpha. The mean Hb concentrations for both agents were comparable overall (Hb = 11.4 and 11.7 g/dl, p = 0.13), and for subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) administration: epoetin beta 11.5 g/dl (n = 119) and 11.4 g/dl (n = 65) (p = 0.70), and darbepoetin alpha 11.8 g/dl (n = 39) and 11.6 g/dl (n = 180) (p = 0.49). The mean weekly dose was 7,941 units of epoetin beta with SC and 9,200 units with IV administration (p = 0.10), and 45 mug SC and 46 mug IV of darbepoetin alpha (p = 0.94). The weekly cost of achieving equivalent Hb levels was GBP 61.86 (EUR 90.57/USD 115.68) with SC and GBP 71.67 (EUR 104.93/USD 134.02) with IV epoetin beta, and GBP 70.78 (EUR 103.63/USD 132.36) with SC and GBP 72.18 (EUR 105.68/USD 134.98) with IV darbepoetin alpha. CONCLUSIONS:
Epoetin beta and darbepoetin alpha are equally effective ESAs and the choice of ESA prescribed in stable HD patients should be determined by cost.
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Authors | Aisling E Courtney, Peter T McNamee, A Peter Maxwell |
Journal | Nephron. Clinical practice
(Nephron Clin Pract)
Vol. 107
Issue 1
Pg. c14-9
( 2007)
ISSN: 1660-2110 [Electronic] Switzerland |
PMID | 17664890
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel. |
Chemical References |
- Recombinant Proteins
- epoetin beta
- Erythropoietin
- Darbepoetin alfa
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Topics |
- Anemia
(drug therapy, economics, etiology)
- Choice Behavior
- Costs and Cost Analysis
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Darbepoetin alfa
- Erythropoiesis
(drug effects)
- Erythropoietin
(analogs & derivatives, economics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Kidney Failure, Chronic
(complications, drug therapy, economics)
- Recombinant Proteins
- Renal Dialysis
(adverse effects, economics)
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