Endocrinology and Pd: Optimal Treatment of Anemia in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

The optimal treatment of anemia in peritoneal dialysis is given by subcutaneous administration of epoetin. The optimal dosing frequency is in most patients 2 -3 injections per week, but in responsive patients once a week may be enough during the maintenance phase. Both before starting and during epoetin treatment it is necessary to monitor for factors causing hyporesponsiveness. The epoetin dose is adjusted monthly aiming at an increase in Hb concentration of 10 g/L per month. Further studies are required to define the optimal target Hb concentration. Iron supplements should be administered routinely. Parenteral iron may be used liberally when oral supplements are ineffective or inconvenient.

In the initial three-month period of peritoneal dialysis a marked increase in Hb concentration is common, and if epoetin treatment is necessary low starting doses will be sufficient. In patients with moderate anemia, adequate iron stores and iron availability, and no significant comorbidity, low starting doses are recommended (50 75 U kg-1 week-1). Patients with severe anemia or with comorbidity usually require higher doses and may be started with 75 150 kg-1 week-1. Hypertension is the principal adverse effect of epoetin treatment in patients with chronic renal failure, but it is usually easily controlled by fluid control and/or increased antihypertensive medication.