AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON- MANAGEMENT OF ANEMIA IN CKD USING ERYTHROPOIETIN ALPHA

AIMS: To assess the efficacy of erythropoietin alpha in management of anemia of CKD. OBJECTIVES  To treat anemia of CKD using erythropoietin alfa.  To assess treatment intensification.  To assess adherence to medications.  To monitor GFR rate.  To study the effect of treatment on stages of CKD. Methodology: A Suitably designed data collection form was prepared for the patients which includes demographic details of the patients such as age, gender, weight, laboratory data of blood, biochemistry, USG of abdomen, treatment pattern, follow up and Questionnaires on lifestyle changes occupation and side effects. Statistical analysis was performed by using mean, standard deviation two tailed paired T-test, class intervals and percentage in excel. The comparison between the study groups were performed with the use of two tailed t-test. Results: A total of 250 patients were enrolled in study from single centre. According to gender wise 250 patients were enrolled, 158(63%) males and 92(37%) females. According to Age wise category the highest prevalence of CKD was observed between61-70(24%) years. Based on family history 109(43.6%) do not have a family history, HTN with 70 (28%) and DM with40(16%). Based on the distribution of area 194(77.6%) are rural and 56(22,4%) are urban followed by 82% literate and 18% illiterate. According to symptoms, 89.6% were SOB, followed by 76.4%of pedal edema, 51.6% of loss of appetite. Out of 250 patients, the existing medical comorbities were highest prevalent in HTN with 42% followed by HTN+DM with 23.2%, the least were UTI and AKI with 2.8%. Among 250 patients 137(55%) undergo dialysis. Based on the class of drugs 177(70.8%) use calcium channel blockers and 175(70%) use diuretics. Among 250 patients 99% were anemic and 1% were non-anemic, followed by 156(63.1%) were male and 91(36.8%) were female. Based on stage of CKD, out of 250 patients 202(80.8%) belong to ESRD Conclusion: This study concludes that erythropoietin alfa was effective in treating anemia in CKD patients. The drug effectively managed the Hb levels above 12g/dl in both dialysis and non dialysis patients. The drug promisingly improved the quality of life and also decreased the probability of comorbidities due to anemia in CKD patients like shortness ofbreath and cognition. In our study, the drug is comparatively more effective than packed cell transmission and shows long ter m improvement on Hb percentage in blood. The target Hb levels of 11-12 g/dl was achieved after 2 weeks of treatment using SC erythropoietin alfa thrice weekly. Erythropoietin alfa was well tolerated with mild to moderate side effects.