2024 Volume 13 Issue 2 Pages 193-200
Hypoxia-inducible factor-proline hydroxylase inhibitors（“HIF-PH inhibitors”）became available for treating renal anemia starting in November 2019. In response, the Japanese Society of Nephrology issued a “Recommendation on the Proper Use of HIF-PH Inhibitors” providing guidelines to ensure their appropriate use. The volume of prescriptions from departments outside nephrology is increasing owing to the convenience of oral drugs. However, there have been scattered cases where prior examinations based on the issued recommendations were not conducted. This study assessed patients who received HIF-PH inhibitors at Toyota Kai Hospital（Kariya Toyota General Hospital, Kariya Toyota Higashi Hospital, Takahama Toyota Hospital）over 36 months from November 1, 2019, to October 31, 2022. The evaluation focused on the proper use of HIF-PH inhibitors through a retrospective chart review, examining the performance rates of various tests conducted pre- and post-HIF-PH introduction, and follow-up status after introduction.
The results indicated that iron kinetics assessments were significantly more frequently conducted in the nephrology department（85.7％）compared to other departments（60％）at the introduction of HIF-PH inhibitors. Similarly, the frequency remained significantly higher in the nephrology department（68.1％）than in other departments（20％）after introduction. While nephrology departments more frequently performed follow-ups for iron management and iron adjustment, the rates of ophthalmology visits and Hb measurements after introduction were low and inadequate, regardless of department.
These results indicate a need to establish a support system for pharmacists to promote the appropriate use of HIF-PH inhibitors.
