EPO Administration to CKD Patients with Anemia

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is leading public health problem worldwide. Even though CKD can be prevented or delayed by taking preventive measures, early detection and treatment; the most common problem which occurs in CKD patients is anemia that increases morbidity & mortality. Anemia mostly occurs due to decreased erythropoietin production which can be corrected by administration of recombinant human erythropoietin, commonly known as Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESA), like epoetin alfa, however oxidative stress and inflammation causes treatment resistant anemia & other adverse outcomes. Other factors like inadequate hemodialysis high dose of epoetin, failing to control HB levels are associated with suboptimal response to erythropoietin therapy In this review, we have outlined variety of issues need to be taken into consideration when prescribing ESA for treating anemia in CKD patients.