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Locatelli F, Paoletti E, Ravera M, Pucci Bella G, Del Vecchio L. Can we effectively manage chronic kidney disease with a precision-based pharmacotherapy plan? Where are we? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38940769 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2374039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, thanks to significant advances in basic science and biotechnologies, nephrology has witnessed a deeper understanding of the mechanisms leading to various conditions associated with or causing kidney disease, opening new perspectives for developing specific treatments. These new possibilities have brought increased challenges to physicians, who face with a new complexity in disease characterization and selection the right treatment for individual patients. AREAS COVERED We chose four therapeutic situations: anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart failure in CKD, IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and membranous nephropathy (MN). The literature search was made through PubMed. EXPERT OPINION Anaemia management remains challenging in CKD; a personalized therapeutic approach is often needed. Identifying patients who could benefit from a specific therapy is also an important goal for patients with CKD and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Several new treatments are under clinical development for IgAN; interestingly, they target specifically the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease. The understanding of MN pathogenesis as an autoimmune disease and the discovery of several autoantibodies allows a better characterization of patients. High-sensible techniques for lymphocyte counting open the possibility of more personalized use of anti CD20 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Locatelli
- Past Director, Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, A Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Ernesto Paoletti
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, ASL 1 Imperiese - Stabilimento Ospedaliero di Imperia, Imperia, Liguria, Italy
| | - Maura Ravera
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulio Pucci Bella
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Sant'Anna Hospital, ASST Lariana, Como, Italy
| | - Lucia Del Vecchio
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Sant'Anna Hospital, ASST Lariana, Como, Italy
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Desai R, Unigwe I, Riaz M, Smith SM, Shukla AM, Mohandas R, Jeon N, Park H. Comparative Safety of Long-Acting vs. Short-Acting Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 116:217-224. [PMID: 38629679 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Both short-acting (epoetin alfa or beta) and long-acting (darbepoetin alfa or PEG-epoetin) erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are commonly prescribed for patients with kidney failure undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. We compared the risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and of all-cause mortality associated with receipt of short- vs. long-acting ESAs. This retrospective cohort analysis included Medicare hemodialysis beneficiaries aged ≥ 18 years in the United States Renal Data System from January 2015 to December 2017. We included adults who survived > 90 days after initiating hemodialysis and received either short- or long-acting ESAs. Outcomes were MACE (first occurrence of stroke, acute myocardial infarction, or cardiovascular-related mortality) and all-cause mortality. After stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting, Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome. Of 68,607 patients (mean age: 65 years, 45% females), 33,658 (49%) received long-acting ESAs and 34,949 (51%) received short-acting ESAs. There was no difference in the risk of MACE associated with receipt of short- vs. long-acting ESAs (HR: 1.02 (95% CI: 0.98-1.08)). However, long-acting (vs. short-acting) ESA receipt was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87-0.96)). Compared with short-acting ESAs, long-acting ESAs were associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, with no difference in the risk of MACE. Future studies with a longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Desai
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ikenna Unigwe
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Munaza Riaz
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Steven M Smith
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ashutosh M Shukla
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- North Florida South Georgia Veterans Healthcare System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Rajesh Mohandas
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Nakyung Jeon
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Haesuk Park
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Locatelli F, Paoletti E, Del Vecchio L. Cardiovascular safety of current and emerging drugs to treat anaemia in chronic kidney disease: a safety review. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2023; 22:1179-1191. [PMID: 38111209 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2023.2285889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are the standard of treatment for anemia in chronic kidney disease. Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHI) are small molecules that stimulate endogenous erythropoietin synthesis. AREAS COVERED The cardiovascular safety of ESAs and HIF-PHIs. We performed a PubMed search using several key words, including anemia, chronic kidney disease, safety, erythropoiesis stimulating agents, HIF-PH inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION ESAs are well-tolerated drugs with a long history of use; there are safety concerns, especially when targeting high hemoglobin levels. HIF-PHIs have comparable efficacy to ESAs in correcting anemia. Contrary to expectations, randomized phase 3 clinical trials have shown that overall HIF-PHIs were non-inferior to ESA or placebo with respect to the risk of cardiovascular endpoints. In addition, some phase 3 trials raised potential safety concerns regarding cardiovascular and thrombotic events, particularly in non-dialysis patients.Today, HIF-PHIs represent an additional treatment option for anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. This has made the management of anemia in CKD more complex and heterogeneous. A better understanding of the mechanisms causing hypo-responsiveness to ESAs, combined with an individualized approach that balances ESAs, HIF-PHIs and iron doses, could increase the benefits while reducing the risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernesto Paoletti
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant, San Martino Hospital, Largo Rosanna Benzi, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lucia Del Vecchio
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Sant'Anna Hospital, Como, Italy
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Parfrey PS, Burke SK, Chertow GM, Eckardt KU, Jardine AG, Lewis EF, Luo W, Matsushita K, McCullough PA, Minga T, Winkelmayer WC. Safety Endpoints With Vadadustat Versus Darbepoetin Alfa in Patients With Non -Dialysis-Dependent CKD: A Post Hoc Regional Analysis of the PRO 2TECT Randomized Clinical Trial of ESA-Treated Patients. Kidney Med 2023; 5:100667. [PMID: 37427292 PMCID: PMC10329165 DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2023.100667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale & Objective In the PRO2TECT trials, vadadustat was found to be noninferior to darbepoetin alfa in hematologic efficacy but not for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; all-cause death or nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke) in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD). We investigated the regional differences in MACE in the PRO2TECT trials. Study Design Phase 3, global, open-label, randomized, active-controlled clinical trial. Setting & Participants A total of 1,725 erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)-treated patients with anemia and NDD-CKD. Intervention 1:1 randomization to receive vadadustat or darbepoetin alfa. Outcomes The primary safety end point was the time to first MACE. Results At baseline, patients in Europe (n=444) were primarily treated with darbepoetin alfa, showed higher proportions on low ESA doses (<90 U/kg/wk epoetin alfa equivalents) with a hemoglobin concentration of ≥10 g/dL compared with patients in the US (n=665) and non-US/non-Europe (n=614) regions. The MACE rates per 100 person-years in the 3 vadadustat groups across regions were 14.5 in the US, 11.6 in Europe, and 10.0 in the non-US/non-Europe groups, whereas event rates in the darbepoetin alfa group were considerably lower in Europe than in the US and non-US/non-Europe groups (6.7 vs 13.3 and 10.5, respectively). The overall hazard ratio for MACE for vadadustat vs darbepoetin alpha was 1.16; 95% CI, 0.93-1.45, but varied by geographical region, with a greater hazard ratio seen in Europe (US, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.78-1.46; Europe, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.24-3.39; non-US/non-Europe, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.60-1.37); interaction between study treatment and geographical region, P = 0.07). In Europe, ESA rescue was associated with a higher risk of MACE in both groups. Limitations Several analyses are exploratory. Conclusions In this trial, there was a low risk of MACE in the darbepoetin alfa group in Europe. Patients in Europe were generally on low doses of ESA, with hemoglobin already within target range. The low risk of MACE may have been related to a limited need to switch and titrate darbepoetin alfa compared with the non-US/non-Europe group. Funding Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02680574.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S. Parfrey
- Department of Medicine, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | | | | | - Kai-Uwe Eckardt
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alan G. Jardine
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Wenli Luo
- Akebia Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA
| | - Kunihiro Matsushita
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Todd Minga
- Akebia Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA
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Erythropoietin Resistance Development in Hemodialysis Patients: The Role of Oxidative Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:9598211. [PMID: 35464768 PMCID: PMC9023176 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9598211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) is considered a significant risk factor for the development of anemia in patients treated by regular hemodialysis (HD). Moreover, OS represents a risk factor for the development of erythropoietin (EPO) resistance in these patients. The aim of this study was to examine the role of OS regarding EPO resistance development in patients treated by regular HD. 96 patients treated with standard HD and on-line hemodiafiltration were included in this study. The patients were treated with short-acting and long-acting EPOs for anemia. The concentration of superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and nitric oxide in the form of nitrites and the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione were measured in patients' blood spectrophotometrically. Standard biochemical analysis, inflammatory markers, nutritional status, HD parameters, and erythropoietin resistance index were also determined. Patients with resistance to short-acting EPO had significantly lower concentration of hemoglobin in the blood and hematocrit value, a significantly higher serum ferritin concentration, and significantly lower catalase activity in erythrocytes than patients without EPO resistance. Patients with resistance to long-acting EPO have a significantly lower hemoglobin concentration in the blood, hematocrit values, and serum concentration of prealbumin and vitamin D, as well as significantly higher concentration of C-reactive protein, superoxide anion, and hydrogen peroxide concentration than those without resistance. OS significantly contributes to EPO resistance development. OS, higher ferritin and CRP levels, lower hemoglobin, hematocrit and prealbumin levels, and vitamin D deficiency represent significant risk factors for EPO resistance development in HD patients.
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Uriol-Rivera MG, Obrador-Mulet A, Jimenez-Mendoza S, Corral-Baez A, Perianez-Parraga L, Garcia-Alvarez A, de la Prada FJ. Monthly Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator Versus Weekly Epoetin-Beta, Similar Hemoglobinization but Different Anisocytosis Degree in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Hematol 2022; 10:255-265. [PMID: 35059087 PMCID: PMC8734489 DOI: 10.14740/jh862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The monthly continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) utilization maintains stable hemoglobin (Hb) after conversion from weekly epoetin-β (EB); however, how the different pharmacologic properties affect the red blood cell (RBC) size determined by RBC distribution width (RDW) has not been evaluated yet. We assess the potential differences in iron metabolism, plasma erythropoietin (EPO), hepcidin, and soluble α-Klotho (α-Klotho) levels as an emergent hematopoiesis factor. Methods Thirty-seven chronic hemodialysis patients were included from January 2010 to November 2011 and randomized (1:1) to continue with EB or to convert to monthly CERA. Primary outcome was the mean change in Hb between groups at months 0, 3 and 6, and the percentage of patients who maintained stable Hb (Hb ± 1 g/dL from baseline level to month 6). Secondary outcomes were the influence on the erythropoietic process and iron metabolism markers. Thirty-one patients completed the study (CERA: n = 15, EB: n = 16). Results The mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) Hb difference between groups was 0.28 g/dL (-0.36 to 0.93). There was no difference between the percentages of patients with stable Hb levels. In the CERA group RDW values increased progressively (interaction erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) type and time on RDW values, F (1.57, 45.60) = 17.17, P < 0.01, partial η2 = 0.37) and the mean corpuscular volume changed at the different time points, (F (2, 28) = 29.12, P = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.23). During the evaluation period, in the CERA group, EPO was higher, and hepcidin and ferritin decreased significantly. α-Klotho decreased in both groups and correlated negatively with the changes on the RDW and positively with transferrin and serum iron. The number of serious adverse events was higher at the CERA group. Conclusions Monthly CERA maintained Hb concentrations; however, it showed a significant effect on RDW, probably due to its impact on the EPO and hepcidin levels. α-Klotho decreased significantly in both groups, and its changes correlated with the changes in iron metabolism. Whether the RDW evolution was associated with the serious adverse events (SAEs) is a feasible hypothesis that needs to be confirmed in large studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel G Uriol-Rivera
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Aina Obrador-Mulet
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Sonia Jimenez-Mendoza
- Nephrology Department, Hospital Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Corral-Baez
- Nephrology Department, Policlinica Miramar-Hospital Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | | | - Angel Garcia-Alvarez
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
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Tanaka M, Ikuma M, Asakura W, Fujiwara Y. The PMDA Perspectives on New Oral Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain Enzyme Inhibitors for Renal Anemia. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2021; 111:358-361. [PMID: 33993499 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mototsugu Tanaka
- Office of New Drug 1, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mutsuhiro Ikuma
- Office of New Drug 1, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Asakura
- Office of New Drug 1, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Fujiwara
- Chief Executive, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan
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ESA, Iron Therapy and New Drugs: Are There New Perspectives in the Treatment of Anaemia? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040839. [PMID: 33670704 PMCID: PMC7922992 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia is a well-known consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD); it is mainly due to a relative insufficiency of erythropoietin synthesis by the failing kidneys. Over the years, the combination of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) and iron has become the standard of care of anemia. All ESAs effectively increase hemoglobin (Hb) levels in a substantial percentage of patients. However, in the last decade, their use has been surrounded by safety issues in increased cardiovascular risk, especially when used at high doses in inflamed and hyporesponsive patients. This has led to the definition of a more cautious Hb target. Iron deficiency is very frequent in CKD patients, with a higher frequency in non-dialysis patients. Traditionally, iron supplementation is mostly used as supportive therapy for anemia control. However, the concept is growing that intravenous iron therapy per se could be beneficial in the presence of heart failure. A new class of drugs, prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) inhibitors (PHD inhibitors) is becoming available for the treatment of anemia in CKD patients. Theoretically, these agents have a number of advantages, the main ones being that of stimulating the synthesis of endogenous erythropoietin and increasing iron availability. The impact of their future use in clinical practice is still to be defined. Another possible strategy could be targeting serum hepcidin and its related pathways. This possibility is fascinating from the scientific point of view, but at present its development phase is still far from clinical application.
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