Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · Feb 2003
Multicenter StudyTreatment of anaemia in dialysis patients with unit dosing of darbepoetin alfa at a reduced dose frequency relative to recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo).
Darbepoetin alfa is an erythropoietic agent with a 3-fold longer elimination half-life than recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo), which allows less frequent dosing. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of darbepoetin alfa for treating anaemia in dialysis patients, using a dosing regimen that was independent of the patient's body weight (unit dosing). ⋯ The treatment of renal anaemia in dialysis patients with unit doses of darbepoetin alfa effectively and safely maintains target haemoglobin concentrations with less frequent dosing. Dose requirements for darbepoetin alfa following i.v. and s.c. administration were not different. The results of this study demonstrate that darbepoetin alfa administered i.v. once weekly, or once every other week is an effective treatment regimen for haemodialysis patients with renal anaemia.