Prevalence, treatment patterns, and healthcare resource utilization in Medicare and commercially insured non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients with and without anemia in the United States

Effectiveness of patient decision aids in patients with advanced kidney disease: a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

To systematically evaluate the decision effectiveness of patient decision aids (PtDAs) on the decision-making effect of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.

METHOD

Two authors independently searched ten electronic databases [Web of science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, EBSCO, CBM, CNKI, WanFang DATA and Vip database], to include randomized controlled trials of interventions through PtDAs in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease published from the inception of the database until April 2024. Two authors conducted a comprehensive quality evaluation (Cochrane 5.1.0) before independently extracting and analyzing the data with RevMan 5.2.

RESULTS

The study included 11 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1613 patients. According to the results, PtDAs can improve the decision knowledge [SMD = 0.53, 95% CI (0.26, 0.80), P = 0.0002] and decision preparation [SMD = 2.34, 95% CI (2.04, 2.65), P < 0.00001] of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Additionally, there was a substantial decrease in the levels of decision regret [SMD = - 1.33, 95% CI (- 2.11, - 0.55), P < 0.05] and decision conflict [SMD = - 0.88, 95% CI (- 1.47, - 0.28), P = 0.004].

CONCLUSION

The current available evidence indicates that PtDAs can significantly enhance the decision knowledge and decision preparation of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Additionally, PtDAs can reduce the levels of decision regret and decision conflict.

TRIAL REGISTRY

CRD42023433798.

Dialysis resource allocation in critical care: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the promise of big data analytics

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented burden on intensive care units (ICUs). With increased demands and limited supply, critical care resources, including dialysis machines, became scarce, leading to the undertaking of value-based cost-effectiveness analyses and the rationing of resources to deliver patient care of the highest quality. A high proportion of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU required dialysis, resulting in a major burden on resources such as dialysis machines, nursing staff, technicians, and consumables such as dialysis filters and solutions and anticoagulation medications. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based big data analytics are now being utilized in multiple data-driven healthcare services, including the optimization of healthcare system utilization. Numerous factors can impact dialysis resource allocation to critically ill patients, especially during public health emergencies, but currently, resource allocation is determined using a small number of traditional factors. Smart analytics that take into account all the relevant healthcare information in the hospital system and patient outcomes can lead to improved resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and quality of care. In this review, we discuss dialysis resource utilization in critical care, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how AI can improve resource utilization in future public health emergencies. Research in this area should be an important priority.

Incidence, prevalence, and treatment of anemia of non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease: A retrospective database study in France

BACKGROUND

Minimal data are available regarding the prevalence and incidence of anemia among patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) in France.

METHODS

This was a retrospective non-interventional study of patients with a record of NDD-CKD in the Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires (EGB) database between January 01, 2012, and December 31, 2017. The primary objective was to estimate the annual incidence and prevalence of anemia of NDD-CKD. Secondary objectives included description of the demographics and clinical characteristics of patients with NDD-CKD-related anemia. An exploratory objective was to use machine learning to identify patients from the general population that might have NDD-CKD but without a recorded ICD-10 diagnosis of CKD.

RESULTS

During 2012-2017, 9865 adult patients in the EGB database had confirmed NDD-CKD; of these, 49.1% (4848/9865) had anemia. From 2015 to 2017, estimates of incidence (108.7-114.7 per 1000 population) and prevalence (435.7-449.5 per 1000 population) of NDD-CKD-related anemia were stable. Less than half of patients with anemia of NDD-CKD were treated with oral iron, and approximately 15% were treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Based on adult French population projections in 2020 and an estimated prevalence rate in 2017 of 42.2 per 1000 population for confirmed plus possible NDD-CKD (as a proportion of the general French population), the estimated number of patients with possible NDD-CKD in France was 2,256,274, approximately five-fold greater than the number identified by diagnostic codes and hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia of NDD-CKD was shown to be a constant long-term burden in France, and its apparent prevalence may still be significantly underestimated. Given the potential treatment gap, additional initiatives to better identify and treat NDD-CKD anemia may improve patient management and treatment outcomes.

A retrospective view of the relationship of soluble Fas with anemia and outcomes in chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Anemia is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with outcomes. In addition, serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels are related to anemia and erythropoietin (EPO) resistance.

OBJECTIVES

Firstly, to compare clinical data and serum levels of sFas, EPO, and pro-inflammatory markers between patients with non-dialytic CKD (NDD-CKD) and healthy subjects. Subsequently, to compare and evaluate the relationship of serum EPO, sFas levels with anemia, and outcomes in patients with NDD-CKD over a long follow-up period.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in 58 NDD-CKD patients compared with 20 healthy subjects on complete blood count, kidney function, serum EPO, sFas, and inflammatory markers (CRP, IL- 6, and IFN-γ) at baseline. We then compared the same baseline data between patients with NDD-CKD who evolved to anemia and those who did not have anemia over the follow-up. We also evaluated the frequency of outcomes in patients with CKD with higher sFas levels. Finally, we performed a multivariate analysis of factors associated with CKD anemia.

RESULTS

There were lower eGFR and Hb but higher serum inflammatory markers, sFas levels, sFas/eGFR, and EPO/Hb ratios in patients with NDD-CKD. Comparatively, on the other hand, NDD-CKD patients with anemia had lower eGFR but were older, had more diabetes, and had higher sFas/ eGFR, EPO/Hb ratios, and serum levels of IL-6 and sFas than NDD-CKD without anemia for an extended period. In addition, there was an association in a multivariate analysis of diabetes, age, and sFas levels with kidney anemia. Furthermore, there were higher frequencies of outcomes in increased serum sFas levels.

CONCLUSION

As an elective risk factor, serum sFas levels, in addition to age and diabetes, were independently associated with kidney anemia for an extended period. Thus, more studies are necessary to analyze the proper relationship of sFas with kidney anemia and its outcomes and therapy in CKD.

Prevalence, incidence, and treatment of anaemia in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease: findings from a retrospective real-world study in Italy

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available on the epidemiology and clinical management of anaemia in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was based on records from databases of five Local Health Units across Italy. Adults with reported NDD-CKD stage 3a-5 between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016 were identified. Annual prevalence and incidence of anaemia (age- and sex-standardised) and clinical management (erythropoiesis-stimulating agents [ESAs], intravenous [IV] iron, and blood transfusions) were evaluated. Eligibility for ESAs was defined by ≥ 2 records of Hb < 10 g/dL, or < 11 g/dL over 6 months.

RESULTS

Overall, 101,143 individuals with NDD-CKD (3a-5) recorded between 2014 and 2016 were identified, of whom 40,020 (39.6%) were anaemic. Prevalence of anaemia was 33.8% in 2016 and incidence of anaemia was stable (11.4-12.4%) from 2014 to 2016. Prevalence and incidence of anaemia increased with CKD stage. Among eligible patients, 12.8% with Hb < 11 g/dL and 15.5% with Hb < 10 g/dL received ESAs, and the proportion treated increased with CKD stage. Among ESA-treated patients with at least 2 years of follow up, 18.4% and 19.3% received IV iron in the Hb < 11 and < 10 g/dL groups, respectively, and 16.5% and 19.4% received blood transfusions. Corresponding proportions for the overall anaemic cohort were 9.0% and 11.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Anaemia is a significant issue in patients with NDD-CKD. Low rates of ESA treatment indicate a potential treatment gap and suggest that anaemia may not be adequately controlled in many patients.

Overall Adverse Event Profile of Vadadustat versus Darbepoetin Alfa for the Treatment of Anemia Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease in Phase 3 Trials

INTRODUCTION

Anemia frequently occurs in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is associated with poor quality of life and cardiovascular outcomes, and its treatment represents a considerable economic burden to the healthcare system. Although effective, the current standard of care for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents requires chronic/ongoing injections, making the treatment less accessible or desirable to patients not treated by in-center maintenance hemodialysis. Furthermore, safety concerns, including an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality, have emerged from their use in studies targeting hemoglobin concentrations in the normal or near-normal range. The orally active hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor vadadustat may offer advantages over erythropoiesis-stimulating agents by correcting anemia via pathways activating endogenous erythropoietin production.

METHODS

To comprehensively analyze the safety profile of vadadustat in patients with dialysis-dependent and non-dialysis-dependent CKD-related anemia, we pooled the safety populations from each of the four trials in the phase 3 clinical program (n = 7,373) and compared the risk of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) for each treatment arm.

RESULTS

In patients randomized to vadadustat versus darbepoetin alfa, rates of TEAEs (88.9% vs. 89.3%), treatment-emergent serious adverse events (58.0% vs. 59.3%), and TEAEs leading to death (16.1% vs. 16.2%) were similar, as were rates of adverse events of special interest, including cardiovascular-, hepatic-, and neoplasm-related adverse events.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Among patients with CKD-related anemia treated with vadadustat, we observed similar rates of adverse events relative to those treated with darbepoetin alfa.

Updates on Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Renal Anemia

Background

Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. The hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) is a new class of oral drugs for the treatment of renal anemia.

Summary

Clinical trials have consistently shown that HIF-PHIs can effectively increase hemoglobin in both the dialysis population and the nondialysis population. The effects of HIF-PHIs in treating renal anemia include promoting endogenous erythropoietin production and facilitating iron mobilization. Several studies suggest that the erythropoiesis effect of roxadustat is less affected by inflammation. Careful monitoring of thromboembolic events and tumor before and during HIF-PHI treatment is necessary.

Key Messages

HIF-PHIs are effective in correcting renal anemia. The long-term safety of HIF-PHIs needs to be further studied.

Noninvasive assessment of renal function and fibrosis in CKD patients using histogram analysis based on diffusion kurtosis imaging

PURPOSE

To investigate the potential of histogram analysis based on diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in evaluating renal function and fibrosis associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six CKD patients were enrolled, and DKI was performed in all patients before the renal biopsy. The histogram parameters of diffusivity (D) and kurtosis (K) were obtained using FireVoxel. The histogram parameters between the stable [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m²] and impaired (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m²) eGFR group were compared. Besides, patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe fibrosis group using a semi-quantitative standard. The correlations of histogram parameters with eGFR and fibrosis scores were investigated and the diagnostic performances of histogram parameters in assessing renal dysfunction and fibrosis were analyzed. The added value of combination of most significant parameter with 24 h urinary protein (24 h-UPRO) in evaluating fibrosis was also explored.

RESULTS

Seven D histogram parameters in cortex (mean, median, 10th, 25th, 75th, 90th percentiles and entropy), two D histogram parameters in medulla (75th, 90th percentiles), seven K histogram parameters in cortex (mean, min, median, 10th, 25th, 75th, 90th percentiles) and three K histogram parameters in medulla (mean, median, 25th percentile) were significantly different between the two groups. The D_mean of cortex was the most relevant parameter to eGFR (r = 0.648, P < 0.001) and had the largest area under the curve (AUC) for differentiating the stable from impaired eGFR group [AUC = 0.889; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.728-0.970]. The K_90th of cortex presented the strongest correlation with fibrosis scores (r = 0.575, P < 0.001) and achieved the largest AUC for distinguishing the mild from moderate to severe fibrosis group (AUC = 0.849, 95% CI 0.706-0.993). Combining the K_90th in cortex with 24 h-UPRO gained statistically higher AUC value (AUC = 0.880, 95% CI 0.763-0.996).

CONCLUSION

Histogram analysis based on DKI is practicable for the noninvasive assessment of renal function and fibrosis in CKD patients.

Individualized anemia management enhanced by ferric pyrophosphate citrate protocol

The optimal use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and parenteral iron in managing anemia in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains controversial. One-size-fits-all rule-based algorithms dominate dosing protocols for ESA and parenteral iron. However, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for using ESAs in chronic kidney disease recommend individualized therapy for the patient. This prospective quality assurance project was at a single hemodialysis (HD) center comprising three 6-month phases (A, B, C) separated by 3-month washout periods. Standard bi-weekly ESA dose titration and intravenous (IV) iron sucrose protocols were used in baseline Phase A, and ferric pyrophosphate citrate (FPC) augmented iron in Phase B. In Phase C, an FPC protocol and weekly, individualized ESA management were used. We examined clinic-level mean differences in hemoglobin (Hb) and ESRD-related outcomes by phase with repeated ANOVA. To examine the Hb at the patient level, we used multi-level mixed-effect regression adjusting for phase, month, and other relevant confounders at each month over time to derive the mean marginal effects of phase. There were 54, 78, and 66 patients in phases A, B, and C, respectively, with raw mean Hb values of 9.9, 10.2, and 10.3 g/dL. The percentage of Hb values < 9 g/dL declined from 14.3% in Phase A to 7.6% in Phase C (p = 0.007). The multivariable mixed-effect regression results showed mean marginal Hb was higher by 0.3 mg/dL and 0.4 mg/dL in Phases B and C, respectively, compared to Phase A. We also observed reduced ferritin (p = 0.003) and transferrin saturation (TSAT) (p = 0.008) levels from Phase A to Phase C with the repeated ANOVA analysis. Ferric pyrophosphate citrate (FPC) appears to support more efficient ESA-stimulated erythropoiesis. Moreover, individualized ESA management combined with FPC (Phase C) was associated with further improvement in efficiency as we observed the fewest patients with Hb values < 9 g/dL concurrent with greater decreases in ferritin levels and reduced ESA doses. However, future prospective studies to confirm these findings on a larger, more diverse cohort of ESRD patients are warranted.

Tetramethylpyrazine nitrone activates hypoxia-inducible factor and regulates iron homeostasis to improve renal anemia

Renal anemia is one of the most common complications of chronic kidney disease and diabetic kidney disease. Despite the progress made in recent years, there is still an urgent unmet clinical need for renal anemia treatment. In this research, we investigated the efficacy and mechanism of action of the novel tetramethylpyrazine nitrone (TBN). Animal models of anemia including the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and the cisplatin (CDDP)-induced C57BL/6J mice are established to study the TBN's effects on expression of hypoxia-inducible factor and erythropoietin. To explore the mechanism of TBN's therapeutic effect on renal anemia, cobalt chloride (CoCl2) is used in Hep3B/HepG2 cells to simulate a hypoxic environment. TBN is found to increase the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1α and HIF-2α under hypoxic conditions and reverse the reduction of HIFs expression caused by saccharate ferric oxide (SFO). TBN also positively regulates the AMPK pathway. TBN stimulates nuclear transcription and translation of erythropoietin by enhancing the stability of HIF-1α expression. TBN has a significant regulatory effect on several major biomarkers of iron homeostasis, including ferritin, ferroportin (FPN), and divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1). In conclusion, TBN regulates the AMPK/mTOR/4E-BP1/HIFs pathway, and activates the hypoxia-inducible factor and regulates iron homeostasis to improve renal anemia.

Identification and single-base gene-editing functional validation of a cis-EPO variant as a genetic predictor for EPO-increasing therapies

Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) are currently under clinical development for treating anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but it is important to monitor their cardiovascular safety. Genetic variants can be used as predictors to help inform the potential risk of adverse effects associated with drug treatments. We therefore aimed to use human genetics to help assess the risk of adverse cardiovascular events associated with therapeutically altered EPO levels to help inform clinical trials studying the safety of HIF-PHIs. By performing a genome-wide association meta-analysis of EPO (n = 6,127), we identified a cis-EPO variant (rs1617640) lying in the EPO promoter region. We validated this variant as most likely causal in controlling EPO levels by using genetic and functional approaches, including single-base gene editing. Using this variant as a partial predictor for therapeutic modulation of EPO and large genome-wide association data in Mendelian randomization tests, we found no evidence (at p < 0.05) that genetically predicted long-term rises in endogenous EPO, equivalent to a 2.2-unit increase, increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD, OR [95% CI] = 1.01 [0.93, 1.07]), myocardial infarction (MI, OR [95% CI] = 0.99 [0.87, 1.15]), or stroke (OR [95% CI] = 0.97 [0.87, 1.07]). We could exclude increased odds of 1.15 for cardiovascular disease for a 2.2-unit EPO increase. A combination of genetic and functional studies provides a powerful approach to investigate the potential therapeutic profile of EPO-increasing therapies for treating anemia in CKD.

Anemia and fibroblast growth factor 23 elevation in chronic kidney disease: homeostatic interactions and emerging therapeutics

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder that is associated with development of elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels and anemia. Here, we review recent literature that extends our current knowledge on the interactions between FGF23 and anemia in CKD and the impact of anemia-targeting therapeutics on FGF23 elevation in CKD.

RECENT FINDINGS

The anemia of CKD is primarily driven by a lack of erythropoietin (EPO) and iron deficiency. In addition to EPO and iron replacement, novel drug classes to treat anemia have been approved or are in clinical development. A recent observational study provides supportive evidence for the hypothesis that FGF23 elevation in CKD mediates adverse effects of iron deficiency on the cardiovascular system in patients with CKD. Preclinical and clinical studies revealed that ferric citrate (FC), and hypoxia-induced factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) treatment may reduce elevated FGF23 levels in CKD, suggesting that correcting anemia in CKD could potentially lower FGF23 levels. However, as we describe, HIF-PHI have context-dependent effects. Moreover, whether a reduction in FGF23 will improve patient outcomes in patients with CKD remains to be determined.

SUMMARY

With the emergence of novel therapeutics to treat oxygen and iron utilization deficits in CKD, studies have investigated the impact of these new drugs on FGF23. Several of these drugs, including FC and HIF-PHIs, alleviate iron homeostasis alterations in CKD and are associated with FGF23 reduction. Herein, we review the relationships between oxygen/iron sensing and FGF23 in CKD, recent findings which link FGF23 with cardiac dysfunction, as well as future translational and clinical avenues.

The Efficacy and Safety of Roxadustat for Anemia in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem, and anemia is a common complication in CKD patients. Roxadustat (FG-4592) is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) stabilizer. Roxadustat has been shown in studies to keep up with and increase hemoglobin better than placebo or erythropoietin. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of roxadustat.

Methods: We searched CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials of roxadustat for the treatment of anemia in CKD patients. The papers were screened using rigorous criteria and their quality was assessed using the Cochrane 5.1.0 assessment manual for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RevMan 5.3 was used to extract and synthesize data for meta-analysis.

Results: There were 8 RCTs (7 articles) in all, and 1,364 patients with chronic kidney disease anemia were involved. The overall quality of the studies included was satisfactory. The meta-analysis findings revealed that roxadustat can considerably enhance hemoglobin, transferrin, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) in both dialysis-dependent (DD) and non-dialysis-dependent (NDD) patients: Hemoglobin (Hb): DD: [SMD = 0.23, 95% CI (0.01, 0.44), p = 0.04], NDD: [SMD = 2.08, 95% CI (1.23, 2.93) p < 0.000001]; transferrin: DD: [SMD = 0.78, 95% CI (0.24, 1.32), p = 0.004], NDD: [SMD = 1.37, 95% CI (0.76, 1.98), p < 0.0001]; TIBC: DD [SMD = 0.97, 95% CI (0.64, 1.29), p < 0.00001], NDD [SMD = 1.34, 95% CI (0.9, 1.78), p < 0.00001]. After roxadustat therapy, patients’ serum iron levels were considerably higher in the dialysis group than in the control group, but there was no significant change in the NDD group [SMD = 0.42, 95% CI (0.27, 0.57), p < 0.00001]. In the NDD group, hepcidin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were significantly reduced after roxadustat treatment: Hepcidin [SMD = −1.59, 95% CI (−2.69, −0.49), p = 0.005], ferritin [SMD = −0.51, 95% CI (−0.72, 0.3) p < 0.00001], TSAT [SMD = −0.41, 95% CI (−0.62, 0.2), p < 0.0001]. In terms of safety, adverse events (AE) [SMD = 1.08, 95% CI (0.98, 1.18) p = 0.11] and serious adverse events (SAE) [SMD = 1.32, 95% CI (0.97, 1.9) p = 0.08] were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion: Roxadustat can improve anemia in NDD patients with chronic kidney disease, and its short-term safety was comparable to that of the comparison group.

Epidemiology and outcomes in patients with anemia of CKD not on dialysis from a large US healthcare system database: a retrospective observational study

Background

Optimal management of anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. This retrospective study aimed to describe the epidemiology and selected clinical outcomes of anemia in patients with CKD in the US.

Methods

Data were extracted from Henry Ford Health System databases. Adults with stages 3a–5 CKD not on dialysis (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73m²) between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017 were identified. Patients on renal replacement therapy or with active cancer or bleeding were excluded. Patients were followed for ≥12 months until December 31, 2018. Outcomes included incidence rates per 100 person-years (PY) of anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL), renal and major adverse cardiovascular events, and of bleeding and hospitalization outcomes. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models identified factors associated with outcomes after 1 and 5 years.

Results

Among the study cohort (N = 50,701), prevalence of anemia at baseline was 23.0%. Treatments used by these patients included erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (4.1%), iron replacement (24.2%), and red blood cell transfusions (11.0%). Anemia incidence rates per 100 PY in patients without baseline anemia were 7.4 and 9.7 after 1 and 5 years, respectively. Baseline anemia was associated with increased risk of renal and major cardiovascular events, hospitalizations (all-cause and for bleeding), and transfusion requirements. Increasing CKD stage was associated with increased risk of incident anemia, renal and major adverse cardiovascular events, and hospitalizations.

Conclusions

Anemia was a prevalent condition associated with adverse renal, cardiovascular, and bleeding/hospitalization outcomes in US patients with CKD. Anemia treatment was infrequent.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-022-02778-8.

Unexplained anemia of aging: Etiology, health consequences, and diagnostic criteria

BACKGROUND

Up to 15% of people aged 60 and over are anemic, and the prevalence of anemia increases with age. In older men and women, anemia is associated with increases in the risk of death and all-cause hospitalization, poor functional capacity, quality of life, and depression.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We reviewed the literature describing anemia in aging populations, focusing on the specific diagnostic criteria of anemia and potential causes in older men and women. Even after extensive etiologic workup that involves careful medical history, physical examination, laboratory measurements, and additional studies such as bone marrow biopsy, anemia of aging is unexplained in up to 40% of older patients with anemia. As a result, treatment options remain limited.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of unexplained anemia of aging (UAA; also called unexplained anemia of the elderly, UAE), its deleterious impacts on health, physical function, and quality of life, and the lack of effective treatment or therapy guidelines represent a compelling unmet clinical need. In this review and consensus document, we discuss the scope of the problem, possible causes of UAA, diagnostic criteria, and potential treatment options. Because even mild anemia is strongly linked to poor clinical outcomes, it should receive clinical attention rather than simply being considered a normal part of aging.

Contemporary outcomes of anemia in US patients with chronic kidney disease

Background

Long-term clinical outcome data from patients with non-dialysis-dependent (NDD) chronic kidney disease (CKD) are lacking. We characterized patients with NDD-CKD and anemia using real-world data from the USA.

Methods

This retrospective longitudinal observational study evaluated integrated Limited Claims and Electronic Health Record Data (IBM Health, Armonk, NY), including patients ≥18 years with two or more estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures <60 mL/min/1.73 m² ≥90 days apart. Anemia was defined as the first observed hemoglobin <10 g/dL within 6-month pre- and post-CKD index date. Data were analyzed from January 2012 to June 2018. Patients with documented iron-deficiency anemia at baseline were excluded.

Results

Comprising 22 720 patients (57.4% female, 63.9% CKD stage 3, median hemoglobin 12.5 g/dL), median (interquartile range) follow-up for patients with and without anemia were 2.9 (1.5-4.4) and 3.8 (2.2-4.8) years, respectively. The most prevalent comorbidities were dyslipidemia (57.6%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (38.8%) and uncontrolled hypertension (20.0%). Overall, 23.3% of patients had anemia, of whom 1.9% and <0.1% received erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) or intravenous iron, respectively. Anemia prevalence increased with CKD stage from 18.2% (stage 3a) to 72.8% (stage 5). Patients with anemia had a higher incidence rate of hospitalizations for heart failure (1.6 versus 0.8 per 100 patient-years), CKD stage advancement (43.5 versus 27.5 per 100 patient-years), and a 40% eGFR decrease (18.1 versus 7.3 per 100 patient-years) versus those without anemia.

Conclusions

Anemia, frequently observed in NDD-CKD and associated with adverse clinical outcomes, is rarely treated with ESAs and intravenous iron. These data suggest that opportunities exist for improved anemia management in patients with NDD-CKD.

Efficacy and Safety of Vadadustat for Anemia in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Vadadustat is a novel drug for treating anemia patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but its effect and safety remain uncertain. This study aimed to summarize the evidence for vadadustat in the treatment of CKD patients with anemia.

Methods: PubMed, Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and an international trial register were searched from their inception to June 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of vadadustat to those of placebo or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in treating anemia in CKD patients. Data were pooled in a meta-analysis, with results expressed as the mean difference for continuous outcomes and relative risk for categorical outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The certainty of evidence was rated according to Cochrane methods and the GRADE approach.

Results: Ten RCTs comparing vadadustat with placebo (4 RCTs) or darbepoetin alfa (6 RCTs) were included (n = 8,438 participants). Compared with placebo, vadadustat increased the hemoglobin (Hb) response rate (risk ratio 5.27; 95% CI: 2.69 to 10.31; p &lt; 0.001; high certainty of evidence) and Hb level from baseline (∆Hb) (mean difference (MD) 1.28; 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.73; p &lt; 0.001; low certainty of evidence). Compared with placebo or darbepoetin alfa, vadadustat decreased hepcidin (MD -36.62; 95% CI: −54.95 to −18.30; p &lt; 0.001) and ferritin (MD −56.24; 95% CI: −77.37 to −35.11; p &lt; 0.001) levels and increased iron-binding capacity (MD 24.38; 95% CI: 13.69 to 35.07; p &lt; 0.001), with a low to moderate certainty of evidence. Moderate to high certainty evidence suggested that compared with placebo or darbepoetin alfa, vadadustat significantly increased the risk of nausea and diarrhea but did not significantly increase the risk of serious adverse events, especially all-cause mortality, cardiac events and nonfatal stroke.

Conclusion: Vadadustat may safely improve Hb levels and promote iron utilization in CKD patients with anemia without increasing the incidence of serious adverse events.

Long-term hemodialysis may affect enlarged perivascular spaces in maintenance hemodialysis patients: evidence from a pilot MRI study

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis (HD) causes various nervous system abnormalities. Alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure after long-term HD have been reported in a few previous studies; however, no studies have been performed to investigate enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS) in WM regions. We measured cerebral blood flow (CBF) and white matter volume (WMV) in HD patients to assess enlarged PVS severity in the WM across the whole brain and suggest possible explanations for this.

METHODS

Fifty-one HD patients and 51 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The number of enlarged PVS in the centrum semiovale (CS), cerebral watershed (CW), and basal ganglia (BG) regions were assessed by T2-weighted MRI. CBF was estimated by arterial spin labeling (ASL), which is a non-invasive perfusion imaging technique. WMV was assessed by the computational anatomy toolbox (CAT12), which is a statistical analysis package. Differences in descriptive variables (two-tailed t-tests, χ² tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Friedman M tests), an intra-class correlation between radiologists, the relationship between enlarged PVS number and HD duration, normalized CBF and WMV (multiple regression), and group differences in CBF and WMV {voxel-wise t-tests with age and sex as covariates [cluster size >50 voxels, false discovery rate (FDR) corrected, P<0.05]} were assessed.

RESULTS

HD patients displayed a more significant number of CS-PVS and CW-PVS in WM regions compared with the HCs, but there was no significant difference in the number of BG-PVS. The number of CS-PVS and CW-PVS were positively associated with HD duration. The number of CW-PVS was positively associated with CBF changes and WMV alteration in HD patients. Meanwhile, significant differences in the blood pressure (BP) readings pre-HD, intra-HD, and post-HD were observed in HD patients. Compared with the HCs, the HD patients showed higher CBF in the CS, CW, and BG regions (P<0.05). Hence, decreased WMV in the CS, CW, and BG regions were shown in the HD patients compared with the HCs (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Enlarged CS-PVS and CW-PVS on MRI might be a feature of long-term HD patients. Enlarged CW-PVS number is associated with higher CBF in the CW region and lower WMV in the CW region in HD patients.

CKD Prevalence Among Patients With and Without Type 2 Diabetes: Regional Differences in the United States

Rationale & Objective

Regional variation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been well characterized.

Study Design

Spatial and temporal comparative analysis.

Setting & Participants

MarketScan databases were used to identify patients with CKD overall and subgroups of patients with CKD with and without T2DM in the United States.

Outcomes

Spatial patterns in CKD prevalence based on year, regional clusters of CKD between years, and characteristics of patients in high-prevalence states.

Analytical Approach

Geomapping was used to visualize the state-level data of CKD prevalence generated from 2013 to 2018. We used univariate local indicators of spatial association (LISA) to evaluate geographic differences in prevalence, differential LISA for changes in CKD prevalence over time, and the χ² test to identify patient characteristics in the top-20th percentile states for the prevalence of CKD.

Results

In univariate LISA, low-low clusters, in which a state has a low CKD prevalence and the surrounding states have a below-average CKD prevalence, were observed in the northwest region throughout the study period, regardless of the T2DM status, indicating a consistently low prevalence of CKD clustered in these areas. High-high clusters were observed, regardless of the T2DM status, in the southeast region in more recent years, suggesting an increased CKD prevalence in this region.

Limitations

Health care insurance enrollment might not have been representative of the United States; the estimates were based on claims data that likely underestimated the true prevalence.

Conclusions

Geographic disparities in CKD prevalence appear increasingly magnified, with an increase in the southeastern region of the United States. This increase is especially problematic because patients with CKD in high-prevalence states experience a greater likelihood of chronic conditions than those in the rest of the United States.

Hyperuricemia and Associated Factors in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hyperuricemia is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) just in adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of hyperuricemia and its associated factors in Chinese children with CKD at a single center. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 170 CKD children collected from the Department of Nephrology, The Zhejiang University Children’s Hospital was conducted. The clinical data, including anthropometric data, blood pressure measurements, and biochemical parameters, were recorded and analyzed retrospectively. The factors associated with hyperuricemia in CKD children were evaluated by Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean age was 9.79 ± 4.10 years, and 72 (42.35%) were girls. Higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, cystatin C, D-dimer, lower hemoglobin, albumin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly associated with higher serum uric acid (SUA). In multiple logistic regression analysis, anemia and higher BUN were both positively associated factors, whereas eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m² was a negatively associated factor for subjects with SUA ≥ 390 µmol/L (6.5 mg/dL). Conclusions: SUA was significantly associated with kidney risk factors in CKD children. Monitoring and controlling SUA, Hb, BUN, and Scr levels in CKD children may help to prevent the progression of CKD.

Costs associated with the administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for the treatment of anemia in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease: a US societal perspective

BACKGROUND: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are commonly used to treat anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition to drug acquisition costs, the administration of ESAs can include direct and indirect costs due to the needle-based route of administration (eg, time spent by health care staff administering therapy, and patients' and caregivers' time spent receiving or assisting with therapy). However, a comprehensive assessment of the costs associated with the administration of ESAs is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the excess costs associated with the needle-based administration of ESAs for the treatment of anemia due to non-dialysis-dependent (NDD) CKD in the United States in 2019 from a societal perspective. METHODS: Excess costs associated with ESA administration were estimated as the sum of annual costs that could be avoided with the introduction of an oral treatment with comparable safety and efficacy to ESAs. Cost components included direct health care costs, transportation costs, and work productivity loss costs from the perspective of both patients and caregivers (as applicable). Costs were estimated based on scientific publications, governmental agencies, and the results of a recent survey of US patients and caregivers of patients with anemia and CKD. The setting of the administration (ie, at home vs in clinic), frequency of administration, and insurance type were considered. RESULTS: At the societal level, annual excess costs associated with ESA administration were estimated at $2.5 billion in the United States in 2019, based on an estimated 462,005 patients with anemia and NDD-CKD treated with ESAs. Overall, 94.4% ($2.4 billion) of these costs were incurred from in-clinic ESA administration. When stratifying costs by insurance type, Medicare-insured patients accounted for 79.4% ($2.0 billion) of total annual excess costs. The largest contributor to total annual excess costs was direct health care costs ($1.4 billion, 54.9%), followed by patient work productivity loss costs ($846 million, 33.9%), caregiver work productivity loss costs ($197 million, 7.9%), and transportation costs ($81 million, 3.3%). Total annual excess costs of in-clinic administration ranged from $2,572 per patient receiving monthly administration to $20,948 per patient receiving thrice-weekly administration, while the total annual excess costs of at-home administration ranged from $1,123 per patient receiving monthly administration to $2,109 per patient receiving thrice-weekly administration. At the ESA administration level (ie, for each ESA administration), total excess costs were estimated at $128 per in-clinic ESA administration and $7 per at-home ESA administration, excluding monitoring costs. CONCLUSIONS: The needle-based administration of ESAs in patients with NDD-CKD is associated with a substantial economic burden. The introduction of an oral treatment has the potential to result in important cost savings from a societal perspective. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. The study sponsors participated in the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation of the data, writing of the report, and in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. Gauthier-Loiselle, Cloutier, Serra, Bungay, and Guérin are employees of Analysis Group, Inc., a consulting firm that received funding from Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., for the conduct of this study. Michalopoulos was an employee of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., at the time the study was conducted. Szabo is an employee of Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.

Challenging patient phenotypes in the management of anaemia of chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often complicated by anaemia, which is associated with disease progression and increased hospital visits, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of English language peer-reviewed articles in PubMed/MedLine published between 1998 and 2020 related to the treatment of anaemia of CKD was conducted. The United States Renal Database System and Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) data reports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration websites, and published congress abstracts in 2020 were surveyed for relevant information.

RESULTS

Subgroups of patients with anaemia of CKD present a clinical challenge throughout the disease spectrum, including those with end-stage kidney disease, advanced age or resistance to or ineligibility for current standards of care (ie, oral or intravenous iron supplementation, erythropoietin-stimulating agents and red blood cell transfusions). In addition, those with an increased risk of adverse events because of comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, comprise special populations of patients with an unmet need for interventions to improve clinical outcomes. These comorbidities must be managed in parallel and may have a synergistic effect on overall disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Several therapies provide promising opportunities to address gaps with a standard of care, including hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors, which stimulate haematopoiesis through promoting modest increases in serum erythropoietin and improved iron homeostasis. The critical issues in the management of anaemia of CKD in these challenging phenotypes and the clinical utility of new therapeutic agents in development for the treatment of anaemia of CKD should be assessed and the information should be made available to healthcare providers.

Treatment of Anemia in Kidney Disease: Beyond Erythropoietin

Anemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents has decreased transfusion rates, but has not been consistently shown to improve cardiovascular outcomes or quality of life. Moreover, treatment to hemoglobin levels normal for the general population (13-14 g/dL) has resulted in increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality versus lower hemoglobin targets, and some patients with chronic kidney disease do not reach these lower hemoglobin targets despite escalating doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. The pathophysiology of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease has been informed by the discovery of hypoxia-inducible factor and hepcidin pathways. Recent innovations in anemia treatment leverage knowledge of these pathways to effectively raise hemoglobin levels independent of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent administration. Several agents that stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor are undergoing or have completed phase 3 clinical trials. These agents appear to have equal efficacy as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in raising hemoglobin levels and have not been associated with major safety signals to date. Because of the potential for off-target effects from non-anemia-related gene transcription by hypoxia-inducible factor stabilization, longer-term follow-up studies and registries will be needed to ensure safety. Agents that modulate hepcidin have undergone early clinical trials with mixed results regarding safety and efficacy in increasing hemoglobin levels. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, which also decrease hepcidin levels, have been associated with increased hemoglobin levels among patients with chronic kidney disease in clinical trials exploring proteinuria and kidney disease progression.

Variation in health plan coverage of ESAs for anemia due to chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: Because health plans each issue their own policies, drug coverage can vary. This variation can result in patients having unequal access to treatment. In this study, we evaluate commercial health plans' coverage policies for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) for patients with anemia resulting from chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVES: To assess how a set of US commercial health plans cover ESAs for patients with anemia due to CKD. Our second objective was to examine the evidence that the plans reviewed when formulating their coverage policies. METHODS: We used the Tufts Medical Center Specialty Drug and Evidence and Coverage Database to identify coverage policies issued by 17 of the largest US commercial health plans for ESAs. The following drugs were indicated for anemia due to CKD: darbepoetin alfa, methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta, epoetin alfa (available as two brands), and epoetin alfa-epbx. Coverage policies were current as of May 2019. We determined whether the health plans applied any restrictions, such as step therapy protocols or patient subgroup restrictions, in their coverage policies. We categorized the evidence that plans cited to support their policies into seven categories: randomized controlled trials (RCTs), real-world evidence (RWE) studies (studies based on data collected in a real-world setting), other clinical studies (eg, single arm trials), systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses, clinical or treatment guidelines, health technology assessments, and economic evaluations. RESULTS: We categorized 72.5% of coverage policies (58/80 policies) as equivalent to the FDA label and 27.5% (22/80 policies) as more restrictive. In restricted policies, plans most often applied step therapy protocols (18/22 policies), followed by prescriber requirements (4/22 policies), and patient subgroup restrictions (3/22 policies). Five health plans applied restrictions in at least half of their coverage policies; seven plans did not apply restrictions in any policy. Plans that cited evidence reviewed an average of 10 citations across their ESA coverage policies, ranging from one to 29 studies. Plans varied with respect to the types of cited studies: at least 50% of evidence cited by five health plans was RCTs, while half or more of the evidence cited by four health plans was clinical or treatment guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Health plans varied in how they covered ESAs for patients with anemia due to CKD and in the evidence cited in their coverage policies. Inconsistencies in plans' coverage policies may have implications for patients' access to ESAs. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development and Commercialization. Sanon, Redmond, and Mogahadam are employed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical. Michalopoulos was employed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical at the time of this study. Margaretos, Panzer, and Chambers are employed by Tufts Medical Center, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health. Lai was with Tufts Medical Center, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health at the time of this study.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Stabilization as an Emerging Therapy for CKD-Related Anemia: Report From a Scientific Workshop Sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation

The National Kidney Foundation convened an interdisciplinary international workshop in March 2019 to discuss the potential role of a new class of agents for the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD): the hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs). International experts with expertise in physiology, biochemistry, structural chemistry, translational medicine and clinical management of anemia participated. Participants reviewed the unmet needs of current anemia treatment, the biology of hypoxia-inducible factor, the pharmacology of prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors, and the results of phase 2 clinical trials of HIF-PHIs among patients with both non-dialysis dependent and dialysis-dependent CKD. The results of key phase 3 clinical trials of HIF-PHIs in the public domain as of this writing are also presented in this article although they appeared after the workshop was completed. Participants in the workshop developed a number of recommendations for further examination of HIF-PHIs which are summarized in this article and include long-term safety issues, potential benefits, and practical considerations for implementation including patient and provider education.

Controversies in optimal anemia management: conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Conference

In chronic kidney disease, anemia and disordered iron homeostasis are prevalent and associated with significant adverse consequences. In 2012, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) issued an anemia guideline for managing the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease. Since then, new data have accrued from basic research, epidemiological studies, and randomized trials that warrant a re-examination of previous recommendations. Therefore, in 2019, KDIGO decided to convene 2 Controversies Conferences to review the latest evidence, explore new and ongoing controversies, assess change implications for the current KDIGO anemia guideline, and propose a research agenda. The first conference, described here, focused mainly on iron-related issues, including the contribution of disordered iron homeostasis to the anemia of chronic kidney disease, diagnostic challenges, available and emerging iron therapies, treatment targets, and patient outcomes. The second conference will discuss issues more specifically related to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, including epoetins, and hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors. Here we provide a concise overview of the consensus points and controversies resulting from the first conference and prioritize key questions that need to be answered by future research.

Assessment of kidney function in chronic kidney disease by combining diffusion tensor imaging and total kidney volume

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the value and feasibility of combining fractional anisotropy (FA) values from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and total kidney volume (TKV) for the assessment of kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients were included in this study. All MRI examinations were performed with a 3.0 T scanner. DTI was used to measure FA values, and TKV was obtained from DTI and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). Patients were divided into three groups (mild, moderate, severe) according to eGFR, which was calculated with serum creatinine. Differences in the FA values of the cortex and medulla were analysed among the three groups, and the relationships of FA values, TKV, and the product of the FA values and TKV with eGFR were analysed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compare the diagnostic efficiency of the FA values, TKV, and the product of the FA values and TKV for kidney function in different CKD stages.

RESULTS

Medullary FA values (m-FA), TKV, and the product of the m-FA values and TKV (m-FA-TKV) were significantly correlated with eGFR (r = 0.653, 0.685, and 0.797, respectively; all P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that m-FA-TKV exhibited better diagnostic performance than m-FA values (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

m-FA-TKV obtained by DTI significantly improves the accuracy of kidney function assessment in CKD patients.

Safety and efficacy of iron isomaltoside 1000/ferric derisomaltose versus iron sucrose in patients with chronic kidney disease: the FERWON-NEPHRO randomized, open-label, comparative trial

Background

The optimal intravenous (IV) iron would allow safe correction of iron deficiency at a single infusion over a short time. The FERWON-NEPHRO trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of iron isomaltoside 1000/ferric derisomaltose (IIM) in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease and iron deficiency anaemia.

Methods

In this randomized, open-label and multi-centre trial conducted in the USA, patients were randomized 2:1 to a single dose of 1000 mg IIM or iron sucrose (IS) administered as 200 mg IV injections up to five times within a 2-week period. The co-primary endpoints were serious or severe hypersensitivity reactions and change in haemoglobin (Hb) from baseline to Week 8. Secondary endpoints included incidence of composite cardiovascular adverse events (AEs).

Results

A total of 1538 patients were enrolled (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate 35.5 mL/min/1.73 m²). The co-primary safety objective was met based on no significant difference in the incidence of serious or severe hypersensitivity reactions in the IIM and IS groups [0.3% versus 0%; risk difference: 0.29% (95% confidence interval: –0.19; 0.77; P > 0.05)]. Incidence of composite cardiovascular AEs was significantly lower in the IIM versus IS group (4.1% versus 6.9%; P = 0.025). Compared with IS, IIM led to a more pronounced increase in Hb during the first 4 weeks (P ≤ 0.021), and change in Hb to Week 8 showed non-inferiority, confirming that the co-primary efficacy objective was met.

Conclusions

Compared with multiple doses of IS, a single dose of IIM induced a non-inferior 8-week haematological response, comparably low rates of hypersensitivity reactions, and a significantly lower incidence of composite cardiovascular AEs.

Roxadustat for Treating Anemia in Patients with CKD Not on Dialysis: Results from a Randomized Phase 3 Study

BACKGROUND

Current anemia therapies for patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD may require injection and medical visits. Roxadustat, an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, stimulates erythropoiesis and improves iron homeostasis.

METHODS

In this double-blind phase 3 study, we randomized patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD stages 3-5 and hemoglobin <10.0 g/dl (1:1) to thrice-weekly 70-mg oral roxadustat or placebo. Doses were titrated throughout the study based on hemoglobin levels. The primary efficacy end point was mean change from baseline in hemoglobin averaged over weeks 28-52 versus placebo, irrespective of rescue therapy use. We assessed patients for adverse events.

RESULTS

The study included 2781 patients, 1393 who received roxadustat and 1388 who received placebo. Mean baseline hemoglobin was 9.1 g/dl for both groups. The mean change in hemoglobin from baseline was 1.75 g/dl (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.68 to 1.81) with roxadustat versus 0.40 g/dl (95% CI, 0.33 to 0.47) with placebo, (P<0.001). Among 411 patients with baseline elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, mean change in hemoglobin from baseline was 1.75 g/dl (95% CI, 1.58 to 1.92) with roxadustat versus 0.62 g/dl (95% CI, 0.44 to 0.80) with placebo, (P<0.001). Roxadustat reduced the risk of red blood cell transfusion by 63% (hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.44). The most common adverse events with roxadustat and placebo, respectively, were ESKD (21.0% versus 20.5%), urinary tract infection (12.8% versus 8.0%), pneumonia (11.9% versus 9.4%), and hypertension (11.5% versus 9.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Roxadustat effectively increased hemoglobin in patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD and reduced the need for red blood cell transfusion, with an adverse event profile comparable to that of placebo.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER

Safety and Efficacy Study of Roxadustat to Treat Anemia in Patients With CKD, Not on Dialysis, NCT02174627.

Dosage Adjustment for Ceftazidime in Pediatric Patients With Renal Impairment Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling has unique advantages in investigating the pharmacokinetics of drugs in special populations. Our aim is to design optimized dosing regimens for ceftazidime in renally-impaired pediatric patients using PBPK modeling. Models for healthy and renally-impaired adults were developed, verified, and adapted for children to predict ceftazidime exposure in pediatric patients with varying degrees of renal impairment, capturing age- and weight-related pharmacokinetic changes. We derived a dosage-adjusted regimen for renally-impaired children based on pharmacokinetic data and evaluated the pharmacodynamics of ceftazidime. The PBPK models adequately predicted ceftazidime exposures in populations after single- and multi-dose administrations, with fold error values within 1.1 between simulated and observed data. In moderate, severe, and end-stage renally-impaired pediatric patients, the areas under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUCs) were 1.87-fold, 3.56-fold, and 6.19-fold higher, respectively, than in healthy children when treated with the same dose of 50 mg/kg. Pharmacodynamic verification indicated that the recommended doses of 28, 15, and 8 mg/kg administered three times daily (every 8 h) to pediatric patients with moderate, severe, and end-stage renal disease, respectively, were sufficient to attain the target of maintaining the free plasma concentration at or above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) during 70% of the dosing interval (70% fT > MIC: nearly 100% target attainment for susceptible MIC of 4 mg/L and >70% for intermediate MIC of 8 mg/L). Our PBPK model can be an effective tool to support dosing recommendations in pediatric patients with different degrees of renal impairment.

Burden of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Beyond Erythropoietin

Anemia is a frequent comorbidity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with a considerable burden because of decreased patient health-related quality of life and increased healthcare resource utilization. Based on observational data, anemia is associated with an increased risk of CKD progression, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. The current standard of care includes oral or intravenous iron supplementation, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and red blood cell transfusion. However, each of these therapies has its own set of population-specific patient concerns, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, and mortality. Patients receiving dialysis or those who have concurrent diabetes or high blood pressure may be at greater risk of developing these complications. In particular, treatment with high doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents has been associated with increased rates of hospitalization, cardiovascular events, and mortality. Resistance to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents remains a therapeutic challenge in a subset of patients. Hypoxia-inducible factor transcription factors, which regulate several genes involved in erythropoiesis and iron metabolism, can be stabilized by a new class of drugs that act as inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl-hydroxylase enzymes to promote erythropoiesis and elevate hemoglobin levels. Here, we review the burden of anemia of chronic kidney disease, the shortcomings of current standard of care, and the potential practical advantages of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitors in the treatment of patients with anemia of CKD.

Risk of Anemia in Patients with Newly Identified Chronic Kidney Disease - A Population-Based Cohort Study

Purpose

Anemia is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the longitudinal risk of anemia in patients with newly identified CKD is unknown. We therefore examined the risks of experiencing anemia in persons with newly identified CKD.

Patients and Methods

This cohort study included adult patients with newly identified CKD stages 3–5 defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level <60 mL/min/1.73m² (at least two measurements ≥90 days apart) ascertained from a population-based registry with complete laboratory test results in Northern Denmark (population ~2.2 million) during 2009–2016. We calculated 1) cumulative incidence (risk) of anemia [hemoglobin <12/<13 g/dl in women/men] by CKD stage, and 2) adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of anemia using Cox regression analyses.

Results

We identified 55,940 distinct individuals with newly identified CKD stages 3–5 and no prevalent anemia [n=41,958 patients in stage 3a, n=17,875 in stage 3b, n=5182 in stage 4, and n=931 in stage 5]. After one year, 42.3% (95%-confidence interval [CI]: 41.9–42.7) of patients with CKD stages 3–5 had newly measured anemia, increasing to 67.7% (95%-CI: 67.2–68.2) after five years. The absolute and relative anemia risk increased markedly with higher CKD stages. The adjusted HR of any anemia was 5.42 (95%-CI: 5.09–5.77) in patients with CKD stage 5 compared to patients with CKD stage 3a.

Conclusion

Patients with newly identified CKD stages 3–5 have a substantial risk of anemia, increasing with higher CKD stages. This study underlines that clinical awareness of anemia risk is important in patients with newly identified or progressed CKD.

Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors: a paradigm shift for treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease?

INTRODUCTION

The hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) pathway is responsible for regulating the biosynthesis of erythropoietin (EPO) and maintaining iron homeostasis. Investigational drugs that target the HIF-PH pathway are promising alternatives for treating anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes recent advances focused on the clinical development of HIF-PH inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) as potentially novel therapies in the treatment of anemia in CKD based on publications available on PubMed and restricted Google searches. We provide a comparison between HIF-PHIs regarding their pharmacokinetics, dosing regimens and safety concerns, structure-activity relationships, and alterations in key laboratory parameters observed in animal models and clinical trials.

EXPERT OPINION

HIF-PHIs may be advantageous in some aspects compared to the conventional erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). While ESAs could increase the risk of cardiovascular events due to rapid rises in ESA blood levels, HIF-PHIs have been reported to maintain EPO concentrations at levels that are closer to the normal physiological ranges. Although HIF-PHIs have been demonstrated to be relatively safe and effective in clinical trials, long-term safety data are needed in order to establish whether these therapeutic agents will lead to a major paradigm change in the treatment of anemia of CKD.

Iron Administration, Infection, and Anemia Management in CKD: Untangling the Effects of Intravenous Iron Therapy on Immunity and Infection Risk

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for infection, attributable to immune dysfunction, increased exposure to infectious agents, loss of cutaneous barriers, comorbid conditions, and treatment-related factors (eg, hemodialysis and immunosuppressant therapy). Because iron plays a vital role in pathogen reproduction and host immunity, it is biologically plausible that intravenous iron therapy and/or iron deficiency influence infection risk in CKD. Available data from preclinical experiments, observational studies, and randomized controlled trials are summarized to explore the interplay between intravenous iron and infection risk among patients with CKD, particularly those receiving maintenance hemodialysis. The current evidence base, including data from a recent randomized controlled trial, suggests that proactive judicious use of intravenous iron (in a manner that minimizes the accumulation of non-transferrin-bound iron) beneficially replaces iron stores while avoiding a clinically relevant effect on infection risk. In the absence of an urgent clinical need, intravenous iron therapy should be avoided in patients with active infection. Although serum ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation can help guide clinical decision making about intravenous iron therapy, definition of an optimal iron status and its precise determination in individual patients remain clinically challenging in CKD and warrant additional study.

Red cell transfusion in chronic kidney disease in the United States in the current era of erythropoiesis stimulating agents

Anemia is a major complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that leads to many symptoms of this disease and worsens cardiovascular health. Treatment of this condition was revolutionized three decades ago by the commercial availability of recombinant human erythropoietin which held the promise of completely eliminating the need for red blood cell transfusion (RBCT). Despite specific therapy now available for anemia in CKD, clinical data accumulated in the last 2 decades suggests that there is a continued need for RBCT, which, we surmise, is due to underutilization of Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESA) or clinical settings such as active bleed, bone marrow resistance such as myelofibrosis or infections where ESAs are ineffective. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight the adverse effects and summarize the current patterns of RBCT use in all stages of CKD while elaborating on the clinical characteristics of patients that increases their risks of transfusion exposure. We discuss, briefly, salient features of the pathophysiology of anemia in CKD and its contemporary therapies while presenting our perspectives on how to optimize transfusion strategies without compromising patient safety.

Prevalence, correlates and outcomes of absolute and functional iron deficiency anemia in nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease

Background

Anemia is associated with adverse outcomes in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined the association of absolute and functional iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with adverse outcomes (cardiovascular hospitalization, dialysis and mortality) in those with nondialysis-dependent CKD.

Methods

Nondialysis-dependent CKD patients followed in the US Veterans Administration with hemoglobin level measured within 90 days of the date of the second estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were included. Logistic regression, multivariate Cox proportional hazards and Poisson regression models adjusted for demographics and comorbidities were used to assess the prevalence and correlates of absolute [transferrin saturation (TSAT) ≤20%, ferritin &lt;100 ng/mL] and functional (TSA T≤20%, ferritin &gt;100–500 ng/mL) IDA and the associations of absolute and functional IDA with mortality, dialysis and cardiovascular hospitalization.

Results

Of 933 463 patients with CKD, 20.6% had anemia. Among those with anemia, 23.6% of patients had both TSAT and ferritin level measured, of whom 30% had absolute IDA and 19% had functional IDA. Absolute IDA in CKD was not associated with an increased risk of mortality or dialysis but was associated with a higher risk of 1-year {risk ratio [RR] 1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–1.28]} and 2-year cardiovascular hospitalization [RR 1.11 (95% CI 1.05–1.17)]. CKD patients with functional IDA had a higher risk of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.11 (95% CI 1.07–1.14)] along with a higher risk of 1-year [RR 1.21 (95% CI 1.1–1.30)] and 2-year cardiovascular hospitalization [RR 1.13 (95% CI 1.07–1.21)]. Ferritin &gt;500 ng/mL (treated as a separate category) was only associated with an increased risk of mortality [HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.26–1.51)].

Conclusions

In a large population of CKD patients with anemia, absolute and functional IDA were associated with various clinical covariates. Functional IDA was associated with an increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization, but absolute IDA was associated only with a higher risk of hospitalization.

Anemia and iron deficiency among chronic kidney disease Stages 3-5ND patients in the Chronic Kidney Disease Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study: often unmeasured, variably treated

Background

International variation in anemia assessment and management practices in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is poorly understood.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of anemia laboratory monitoring, prevalence and management in the prospective Chronic Kidney Disease Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (CKDopps). A total of 6766 participants with CKD Stages 3a–5ND from nephrology clinics in Brazil, France, Germany and the USA were included.

Results

Among patients with anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/dL), 36–58% in Brazil, the USA and Germany had repeat hemoglobin measured and 40–61% had iron indices measured within 3 months of the index hemoglobin measurement. Anemia was more common in the USA and Brazil than in France and Germany across CKD stages. Higher ferritin and lower iron saturation (TSAT) levels were observed with lower hemoglobin levels, and higher ferritin with more advanced CKD. The proportion of anemic patients with ferritin <100 ng/mL or TSAT <20% ranged from 42% in Brazil to 53% in France and Germany, and of these patients, over 40% in Brazil, Germany and the USA, compared with 27% in France, were treated with oral or intravenous iron within 3 months after hemoglobin measurement. The proportion of patients with hemoglobin <10 g/dL treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents ranged from 28% in the USA to 57% in Germany.

Conclusions

Hemoglobin and iron stores are measured less frequently than per guidelines. Among all regions, there was a substantial proportion of anemic patients with iron deficiency who were not treated with iron, highlighting an area for practice improvement in CKD care.