Clinical impact of the ERBP Working Group 2010 Recommendations for the anemia management in chronic kidney disease not on dialysis: ACERCA study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Anemia Working Group of ERBP in 2010 recommended a target hemoglobin (Hb) level in the range of 11-12 g/dL, without intentionally exceeding 13 g/dL during the treatment with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs). This study evaluated if there was a clinical impact of this statement in the anemia management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients treated with ESAs not on dialysis in routine clinical practice in Spain. METHODS: This was an observational and cross-sectional study carried out in CKD patients not on dialysis in Spain who initiated ESA treatment (naïve), or were shifted from a previous ESA to another ESAs (converted) since January 2011. RESULTS: Of 441 patients evaluated, 67.6% were naïve and 32.4% were converted. At the study visit, 42.5% of naïve patients achieved the Hb target of 11-12 g/dL, with a mean Hb of 11.3±1.3 g/dL (vs 10.1±0.9 g/dL at the start of ESA therapy). Only 35.3% of converted patients maintained Hb levels within the recommended target at the study visit. Yet, 8.2% of naïve patients and 7.9% of those converted had Hb levels >13 g/dL. Hb levels were similar across subgroups of patients, regardless of the presence of significant comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia management in CKD patients treated with ESAs by Spanish nephrologists seems to be aimed at preventing Hb levels