Low-Dose Treatment with Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents and Cardiovascular Geometry in Chronic Kidney Disease: Is Darbepoetin-α More Effective than Expected?

摘要

IntroductionChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread invalidating condition, leading to erythropoietin deficiency and decreased cardiovascular performance. Darbepoetin-α and epoetin-α are extensively used to correct renal anemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiological outcomes in two groups of CKD patients treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA: 20 μg darbepoetin-α weekly vs. 2,000 IU epoetin-α thrice weekly) with an unconventional 1:300 conversion ratio.