Costs Associated With Intravenous Darbepoetin Versus Epoetin Therapy in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anemia of chronic kidney disease is associated with adverse outcomes and a reduced quality of life. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have improved anemia management, and 2 agents are available in Canada, epoetin alfa (EPO) and darbepoetin alfa (DA). EPO and DA are considered equally effective in achieving target hemoglobin (Hb), but it is not clear whether there is a cost difference. There have been few head-to-head comparisons; most published studies are observational switch studies.

Objective

To compare the cost of DA and EPO and to determine the dose conversion ratio over a 12-month period.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Canadian outpatient hemodialysis center.

Patients

Eligible patients were adult hemodialysis patients

SUBMITTER: Woodland AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5502937 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature