Author/Editor		Varl, J
Title		The role of epoetin in renal anemia management
Type		članek
Source		In: Buturović-Ponikvar J, Bren AF, editors. Zbornik 2. slovenski nefrološki kongres z mednarodno udeležbo ob 30. letnici dialize in transplantacije ledvic v Sloveniji; 2000 sep 27-30; Brdo pri Kranju. Ljubljana: Klinični center, Klinični oddelek za nefrologijo,
Publication year		2000
Volume		str. 143-6
Language		eng
Abstract		Recombinant human epoetin is well established therapy for renal anemia management. In ten years of wide clinical applications many fears about new drug have disappeared but some problems still exist and need further clinical and experimental evaluations. Today epoetin therapy represents the golden standard for sustaining target hemoglo- bin values in patients with renal failure. How high the hemoglobin should be is still the matter of discussion, but the values between 110-120g/I are usual. Subcutaneous application is more efficient and cost-savig modality for majority of patients. Intravenous application is recomended especially for children. Changing vehicle, today the s.c. application is less painful as it was years ago.Epoetin alfa, beta and omega are available on the market, the tolerability and efficiency of them are quite comparable. The list of side effects was reduced and the development or aggravation of arterial hypertension is the main disadvantage of epoetin therapy that remains. This complication can diminish the beneficial influence of epoetin on left ventricular hypertrophy, well known pathological complication of renal anemia. Careful management of blond pressure represents the basic problem in epoetin treated patients. The role of iron substitution is well known and easy solved problem. Using i.v. route of iron application the doses of epoetin have been reduced significantly during last five years. As there was no negative influence of epoetin on residual renal function, treatment of anemia with epoetin in predialysis patients is usual practice. In this group of patients the anemia represents very important factor, regarding quality of life. In conclusion we can say, that the anemia of chronic renal failure is one of the most common complications in uremia, contributing significantly to morbidity of these patients. Epoetin application in this population has been a therapeutic triumph of molecular and clinical medicine.
Descriptors		EPOETIN ALFA KIDNEY FAILURE, CHRONIC ANEMIA HEMODIALYSIS