Phosphate Binder Found to Cut IV Iron, ESA Use

ATLANTA—Ferric citrate (FC), a novel phosphate binder, reduces intravenous (IV) iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) use, researchers reported at the American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week 2013 meeting.

Kausik Umanath, MD, of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, and colleagues conducted a 52-week randomized trial that enrolled more than 400 dialysis patients randomly assigned to receive either FC or active control (sevelamer carbonate, calcium acetate, or both).

At 52-weeks, the FC group received less elemental IV iron requirement than the active control group (median 1.85 vs. 3.84 mg/day) and less ESA (median 758 vs. 993 U/day), according to the investigators. Hemoglobin levels were maintained safely throughout the trial.

“These results suggest some ferric iron absorption in this patient population,” the researchers concluded. “Thus, FC, an efficacious phosphate binder, also reduced the need for IV iron and ESA in dialysis patients.”

From the January 01, 2014 Issue of Renal and Urology News