Evaluation of efficacy of darbepoetin alfa administered once monthly as treatment of anemia in predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease

Background: Darbepoetin alfa has demonstrated its efficacy when is administered subcutaneously once-weekly and once every 2 weeks as treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of subcutaneus darbepoetin alfa administered once monthly in patients with progressive CKD who maintained stable levels of Hb treated on once every other week dosing. Methods: Patients included in the study maintained hemoglobin (Hb) > 11 g/dl and were receiving darbepoetin alfa once every other week during at least 4 months. We studied a frecuency interval dose change: once every other week frecuency was converted to once monhly at equivalent dose. The study completers were 12 patients over the third month and 7 at the end of one year evaluation period. Results: A statistic significant decrease in Hb and hematocrit (Hto) was observed over the third month, although all patients maintain Hb levels higher than 11 g/dl. At the same time it was appreciated a statistic significant increased on creatinine (Cr) and parathyroid hormone levels (PTH). At the end of one year evaluation period no differences were observed in any of variables. Conclusion: Darbepoetin alfa administered once monthly is an efficacious option as treatment of anemia for patientes with CKD. With a dose of 1 mcg/kg/month, all patientes maintain Hb > 11g/dl.