Simplifying anemia management in hemodialysis patients: ESAs administered at longer dosing intervals can enhance opportunities to provide patient-focused care

Abstract

Objective:

To review issues and challenges in caring for hemodialysis patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease, specifically focusing on the effects of longer erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) dosing intervals on processes of care.

Methods:

PubMed searches were performed limited to the last 10 years to February 2011, focusing on articles in English that were ‘clinical trials,’ assessed processes of care, measured associations of hemoglobin (Hb) with outcomes, and explored/analyzed extended dosing intervals of ESAs in hemodialysis patients and recommendations for increasing the quality of care of these patients. Some limitations included the fact that a meta-analysis was not conducted; many studies were associative and therefore unable to prove causality; and none of the clinical trials directly compared the impact of more frequent or less frequent ESA dosing strategies on patient care and outcomes.

Findings:

Progress over the past several decades has been substantial; however, unmet needs remain and there is room for improvement in efficiencies of care. Many patients fail to meet Hb targets, and nephrology professionals’ time is consumed with preparing, administering, and monitoring therapy. Direct interaction between patients and care providers has been lost as attention has shifted to ‘cost-effective’ (not necessarily patient-centered) ways to deliver care. Use of ESAs at longer dosage intervals represents one opportunity to improve efficiency of care. Newer ESAs have been developed for less frequent dosing. Once-monthly dosing decreases time spent administering/monitoring therapy and allows nephrology professionals to provide comprehensive renal care, wherein the patient rather than task-oriented processes becomes the primary focus.

Conclusions:

A fragmented, uncoordinated care-delivery model heightens the urgency to systematically address issues related to delivery of care and improve efficiencies in anemia management as part of the patient-centered approach. ESAs designed for administration at longer intervals may effectively and reliably achieve Hb targets with once-monthly dosing, thereby decreasing time spent administering/monitoring therapy.

Key words::

• Anemia
• Chronic kidney disease
• Efficiencies in care
• Erythropoiesis stimulating agents

Transparency

Declaration of funding

Funding for this research was provided by Affymax, Inc.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

B.S. and A.B. are members of the scientific advisory board for Affymax. A.B. has also been a consultant for and received honoraria from Akebia, Amgen, Roche, and Rockwell.

Acknowledgments

Editorial assistance provided by Norma Padilla, PhD, Sophia Shumyatsky, PharmD, and Meryl Mandle of ApotheCom Associates was supported by Affymax, Inc.

Notes

* Affymax, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA; formerly referred to as Hematide™.