Continuous EPO receptor activator therapy of anemia in children under peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

The short half-life of erythropoietin (rHuEPO) leads to repeated fluctuations in hemoglobin levels and the need for frequent administration. Continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) therapy has been approved for once or twice a month in adult dialysis patients. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CERA therapy in the management of anemia in pediatric peritoneal dialysis (PD) stable PD children under twice-a-week EPO were converted to a subcutaneous CERA, scheduled every 2 weeks. The follow-up was 6 months. The primary efficacy parameter was hemoglobin >11 g/dL. The exclusion criteria were ferritin <100 ng/ml and Hb saturation <20%. Sixteen children, aged 9.75±3.6 years, including 11 boys, participated in the study. Mean Hb level at month 0 was 10.8±1.9 g/dL. A decrease in hemoglobin to 10.38±1 g/dL at month 2 was observed. The CERA dose was increased from 0.86±0.33 to 1.67±0.4 μg/kg at month 3. The target Hb level was reached by the 3rd month. The Hb level and CERA dose we