ESA therapy - the quest continues: anemia treatment following recent national and international recommendations 2011 and 2012.

ABSTRACT

The development of ESA (Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents) revolutionized the treatment of renal anemia. However, the initial euphoria has abated and, in the last few years, studies have shown that ESAs should not be administered without caution as the rate of cardiovascular events and possibly tumor related deaths may increase with over-augmented hemoglobin levels. Renal anemia therapy is discussed against the background of recent decisions to lower the recommended hemoglobin target ranges in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on ESAs, thus, necessitating a redefinition of treatment quality criteria and exposing areas requiring further research.