Nefrología : publicación oficial de la Sociedad Española Nefrologia
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Darbepoetin alfa is an erythropoiesis-stimulating glycoprotein with up to 3 times longer half-life than recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in humans. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of darbepoetin alfa given once every other week as treatment of anemia in predialysis patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) previously treated with once-weekly epoetin alfa. A total of 42 CRF patients were included, all of whom had previously been treated with epoetin alfa and showed stable hemoglobin (Hb) levels without dose changes during the last 8 weeks prior to enrolment in this study. ⋯ No adverse events related to darbepoetin alfa were reported. In conclusion, these results show s.c. administration of darbepoetin alfa once every other week was superior to weekly epoetin alfa as a maintenance treatment for anemia in predialysis CRF patients, since the former provided higher Hb levels. Moreover, darbepoetin alfa administration was safe in these patients.
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We report a 75-years-old woman, stable on a three-weekly hemodialysis program over a period of 3 years, who develop acute hyperphosphatemia secondary to phosphate administration for bowel preparation. The quick clinical diagnosis and the treatment with intensive hemodialysis resulted in a correction of hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, acidemia and other electrolyte abnormalities. The phosphate cathartics are contraindicated in patients with severe renal insufficient or in dialysis program. Our case shows the severe side effects secondary to injudicious use of sodium phosphate cathartics.
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The overall incidence of vertebral osteomyelitis is increasing due to, the increasing rates of bacteraemia due to intravascular devices. We report a patient with end-stage renal failure under hemodialysis by internal jugular catheters who started with back pain after several episodes of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia, and whose magnetic resonance imaging was showed signs suggestive of spondylodiscitis. ⋯ Treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis must be preceded by a correct bacteriological diagnosis. Surgery plays a central role in the successful treatment and should be performed as soon as neurological problems are apparent.