Roche announced that the FDA has approved Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) for the treatment of anemia associated with CKD in adults, including dialysis patients and patients not on dialysis.

THE RISK OF DEATH for patients with dialysis-related anemia is increased when hemoglobin levels are persistently low, not necessarily when they fluctuate, according to a study recently published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2007; published online ahead of print).

BARCELONA—A novel peptide-based erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) called Hematide safely raises hemoglobin levels in anemic CKD patients and maintains stable hemoglobin levels in hemodialysis patients who switch to the drug from epoetin alfa, data suggest.

ONLY ABOUT one in 10 CKD-related outpatient visits for anemia management in the United States result in a prescription for an anemia medication, data show.

BARCELONA—Once-monthly dosing of continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (C.E.R.A.) maintains stable hemoglobin levels in CKD patients regardless of age, gender, or comorbidities, according to study data presented here at the 44th Congress of the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association.

On September 11, 2007, an FDA panel of health experts declined to recommend the quasi-expected restrictions on the use of the erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESA) in CKD patients. For years, the three FDA-approved ESAs (Aranesp, Epogen, and Procrit) have been heavily prescribed for anemia without much concern about serious adverse effects.

CHICAGO—Diabetics with CKD whose anemia is untreated have twice the overall risk of CVD-related hospitalizations, according to data reported at the 67th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association.

PATIENTS WITH and without diabetes respond similarly to extended dosing of epoetin alfa as infrequently as once every four weeks, data show.

FERUMOXYTOL, a semi-synthetic iron oxide formulated with mannitol, may be a safe and effective IV iron treatment for anemia in CKD patients not on dialysis.

ANEMIA THAT occurs after renal transplantation is due to more than just impaired allograft function. Gender, creatinine clearance, and age also contribute to development of the condition.