RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Anemia Working Group of ERBP in 2010 recommended a target hemoglobin (Hb) level in the range of 11-12 g/dL, without intentionally exceeding 13 g/dL during the treatment with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs). This study evaluated if there was a clinical impact of this statement in the anemia management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients treated with ESAs not on dialysis in routine clinical practice in Spain. METHODS: This was an observational and cross-sectional study carried out in CKD patients not on dialysis in Spain who initiated ESA treatment (naïve), or were shifted from a previous ESA to another ESAs (converted) since January 2011. RESULTS: Of 441 patients evaluated, 67.6% were naïve and 32.4% were converted. At the study visit, 42.5% of naïve patients achieved the Hb target of 11-12 g/dL, with a mean Hb of 11.3±1.3 g/dL (vs 10.1±0.9 g/dL at the start of ESA therapy). Only 35.3% of converted patients maintained Hb levels within the recommended target at the study visit. Yet, 8.2% of naïve patients and 7.9% of those converted had Hb levels >13 g/dL. Hb levels were similar across subgroups of patients, regardless of the presence of significant comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia management in CKD patients treated with ESAs by Spanish nephrologists seems to be aimed at preventing Hb levels <11 g/dL, while <50% of patients were within the narrow recommended Hb target range. This, together with the lack of individualization in Hb targets according to patients' comorbidities show that there is still room for improvement in renal anemia management in the clinical setting.