Comparison of efficacy of Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator [CERA] In chronic kidney disease patients versus patients on Hemodialysis, single center experience

ABSTRACT

Background: prior to the availability of recombinant human erythropoietin [r-EPO, epoetin], patients on dialysis frequently demanded blood transfusions and excessive iron therapy, exposing them to the risks of iron overload, transmission of viral hepatitis, and sensitization, which reduced the chances of successful transplantation . Recombinant human erythropoietin has been used for more than 20 years for the treatment of renal anemia, Epoetin-Alfa and -beta representing the common traditional preparations. By the modification of the molecule's carbohydrate moiety or structure a longer duration of erythropoietin receptor stimulation was achieved. The continuous erythropoietin receptor activator C.E.R.A. once or twice a month was found sufficient to achieve serum hemoglobin target levels. This study was aimed to identify the efficacy of C.E.R.A [Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta in achieving and maintenance of hemoglobin level in patients with chronic kidney disease and patients on regular Hemodialysis therapy