The advantages of intravenous renal anaemia treatment in an undernourished patient with chronic kidney disease

The subcutaneous (SC) treatment of renal anaemia in undernourished patients has potential limitations. In this case report we demonstrate the value of intravenous (IV) darbepoetin alfa in such a patient who experienced difficulty tolerating SC recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapy due to severe malnutrition. Intravenous treatment of renal anaemia in a malnourished patient is preferred because the absence of SC fat makes SC administration difficult. In such patients, darbepoetin alfa is treatment of choice as it is administered le frequently than other erythropoietic therapies is more effective at maintaining target haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. In contra rHuEPO, darbepoetin alfa also has the additional advantage of bioequivalent IV and SC dose requirements.