Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) characterized by progressive decline in Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), is major public health issue associated with morbidity and mortality. Anaemia is one of the most common problems causing morbidity in patients with CKD while they are on dialysis.  Erythropoietin is a major advance in the management of anaemia in CKD which stimulates erythropoiesis by increasing proliferation and maturation of erythroid progenitors and thereby treats anaemia. Prescribing pattern, effectiveness and cost of erythropoietin therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease. This was a Prospective and Observational study conducted for 06 months after obtaining IEC from Apollo Multi-Specialty Hospital, Bengaluru. Patients were enrolled based on enrolment criteria. Data were analysed using suitable statistical tool. Of 152 patients enrolled, 77 (50.65%) patients were in the age group ≥ 60 years, second generation ESAs was mostly prescribed 119(78.28%) than third 01(0.65%) and first 32(21.05%). Significant increase in Haemoglobin, RBC, PCV was observed. We have demonstrated that ESAs were prescribed majorly in Nephrology compared to medicine department. Second generation ESAs were prescribed mostly, darbepoetin alfa 40mcg were preferred over other doses. The changes in Hb, PCV and RBC were significant suggesting ESAs as effective. The side effects reported were less, common and mostly unrelated to ESAs. Based on these finding, we suggest that ESAs is prescribed majorly in Nephrology and is effective and safe in managing anaemia of CKD.