ABSTRACT
Anemia of renal disease is common and is associated with significant morbidity and death. It is mainly caused by a decrease in erythropoietin production in the kidneys and can be partially corrected with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). However, randomized controlled trials have shown that using ESAs to target normal hemoglobin levels can be harmful, and have called into question any benefits of ESA treatment other than avoidance of transfusions.
Footnotes
Dr. Simon has disclosed membership on advisory committee or review panels and teaching and speaking for Alexion, and consulting for Regulus.
- Copyright © 2016 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
- Georges Nakhoul, MD
- James F. Simon, MD⇑
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Glickman Urological and Kidney institute, Cleveland Clinic
- Assistant Professor, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
- ADDRESS:
James F. Simon, MD, Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Q7, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195; simonj2{at}ccf.org
ABSTRACT
Anemia of renal disease is common and is associated with significant morbidity and death. It is mainly caused by a decrease in erythropoietin production in the kidneys and can be partially corrected with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). However, randomized controlled trials have shown that using ESAs to target normal hemoglobin levels can be harmful, and have called into question any benefits of ESA treatment other than avoidance of transfusions.
Footnotes
Dr. Simon has disclosed membership on advisory committee or review panels and teaching and speaking for Alexion, and consulting for Regulus.
- Copyright © 2016 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
