A Randomized Control Study on the Procedure for Switching Epoetin Beta (EPO) to Epoetin Beta Pegol (CERA) in the Treatment of Renal Anemia in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> We investigated the method of switching EPO to CERA that does not cause a decrease in the Hb level. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Fifty EPO-treated patients were randomly divided into two groups in which CERA was administered every two weeks (Q2W) or every four weeks (Q4W). After 8 weeks of treatment, the frequency of administration was changed to Q4W in the former. Follow-up was performed for 24 weeks. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was no difference in the Hb level between the two groups until 6 weeks. In the Q2W group, the Hb maintained a stable level throughout a study period. However, in the Q4W group, the Hb level was significantly lower than in the Q2W group at weeks 9, 11, and 13. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> EPO switching to CERA without a decrease in the Hb level could be achieved by administering CERA every two weeks, but not every four weeks, for a specific period after switching. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel