Kidney Res Clin Pract.  2020 Sep;39(3):334-343. 10.23876/j.krcp.20.015.

Ferric carboxymaltose versus ferric gluconate in hemodialysis patients: reduction of erythropoietin dose in 4 years of follow-up

• Lacquaniti A
• Pasqualetti P
• Tocco TCd
• Campo S
• Rovito S
• Bucca M
• Ragusa A
• Monardo P

• KMID: 2507094
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.23876/j.krcp.20.015

Abstract

Background
Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is a parenteral, dextran-free iron formulation designed to overcome the limitations of existing iron preparations. The main aim of this study was to retrospectively examine results obtained from a long period of FCM therapy in hemodialysis patients who have been previously treated with ferric gluconate (FX). Markers of iron metabolism, erythropoietin (EPO) doses, and effects on anemic status have been analysed.
Methods
The study was performed with a follow up period of 4 years, when patients were treated before with FX and then switched to FCM. A total of 25 patients were included in the study.
Results
FCM increased transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels by 11.9% (P < 0.001) with respect to FX. Events of TSAT less than 20% were reduced during FCM. The monthly dose of EPO was reduced in the FCM period (-6,404.1 international unit [IU]; 95% confidence interval, -10,643.5 IU; -2,164.6 IU; P = 0.003), as well as the erythropoietin resistance index (P = 0.004). During the period with FCM, ferritin levels were higher than during FX (P < 0.001), while transferrin was reduced (P = 0.001).
Conclusion
During FCM treatment, minor doses of EPO were administered if compared to those delivered during FX therapy. Stable and on target levels of hemoglobin were maintained with better control of anemia through high levels of ferritin and TSAT.

Keyword

Anemia; Erythropoietin resistance index; Ferric carboxymaltose; Hemodialysis