Chronic kidney disease is a microvascular complication of
diabetes mellitus (DM).
Anemia is an important clinical manifestation to treat
chronic kidney disease. Many subjects with poor socio-economic status having
chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anaemia in a developing country can not afford the treatment with
erythropoietin. This study has designed to see the efficacy of
Nandrolone, a cheaper alternative; in comparison with recombinant human
erythropoietin for management of
anemia of pre-dialysis diabetic
chronic kidney disease. Sixty adult diabetic patients with anaemia of
chronic kidney disease on
conservative treatment [Not on
Hemodialysis (HD)] were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) of 30 patients each. Group 1 patients received
nandrolone deaconate 50 mg deep intramuscular and Group 2 recombinant human
erythropoietin 100 IU per kilogram of
body weight subcutaneously once weekly. Patients of both group received oral supplements in order to maintain body
iron stores. All the relevant haematological and renal parameters were evaluated at the end of 3rd & 6th months. There was a statistically significant rise in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, in both groups. The rise in haemoglobin concentration, in Group 2 was more marked followed by Group 1, at the end of 3rd, and 6th months.
Nandrolone, though not equally effective, may be considered as a valid alternative
therapy for the treatment of
anemia of pre-dialysis diabetic
chronic kidney disease to that of
erythropoietin.