Abstract
【Objective】In order to examine the efficacy of ferric citrate hydrate against renal anemia, we discontinued the administration of iron when ferric citrate hydrate was administered. 【Subjects】 Among 95 hemodialysis patients at our hospital between June 2014 and February 2015, 45 patients (31 males and 14 females) who met the entry criteria were enrolled in this study. 【Methods】We discontinued iron administration to patients who were receiving intravenous or oral iron administration while ferric citrate hydrate 1,500 mg/day was administered, and investigated iron metabolism markers, darbepoetin α (DA) doses and erythropoietic resistance index. 【Results】 Examination of all the subject patients showed that there were no significant changes in serum ferritin levels and TSAT levels. However, Hb concentration significantly increased. DA doses significantly decreased and 40.1% DA reduction effect was observed. Examination of each iron dose group showed that the DA reduction effect was 50.2% in the intravenous iron discontinuation group and 33.5% in the oral iron discontinuation group, and the erythropoietic resistance index decreased. 【Conclusion】We were able to prevent excessive iron intake by discontinuing iron administration when ferric citrate hydrate 1,500 mg/day was administered. Furthermore, Hb concentration increased. Ferric citrate hydrate was more effective in improving anemia than intravenous or oral iron administration. Thus, the efficacy of ferric citrate hydrate against renal anemia was demonstrated.
