COMPARISON OF ROXADUSTAT VS ERYTHROPOIETIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AT BAHRIA INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL RAWALPINDI

Abstract

Background:

Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), traditionally treated with erythropoietin. However, limitations such as adverse events and injection requirements have prompted exploration of alternatives like roxadustat, an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor.

Objective:

This study compared the efficacy and safety of roxadustat versus erythropoietin for treating anemia in CKD patients.

Methods:

A prospective, observational study was conducted with 187 CKD patients (stages 3–5) randomized to roxadustat (oral, n=94) or erythropoietin (injectable, n=93). Hemoglobin levels, iron parameters (ferritin, TSAT), blood pressure, and adverse events were monitored over 12 weeks.

Results:

Roxadustat showed superior hemoglobin improvement (11.1 ± 1.1 g/dL vs. 10.2 ± 1.0 g/dL, p=0.001) and better iron utilization (ferritin +10 ± 15 ng/mL vs. -5 ± 12 ng/mL, p=0.01; TSAT +4.2 ± 3.0% vs. +1.8 ± 2.6%, p=0.03). Adverse events were significantly lower with roxadustat (23.4% vs. 39.8%, p=0.01), including fewer cases of hypertension (10.6% vs. 23.6%) and no injection site reactions (0% vs. 16.1%).

Conclusion:

Roxadustat demonstrated greater efficacy in correcting anemia and improved safety profile compared to erythropoietin, with the added advantage of oral administration. These findings support its use as a first-line therapy for CKD-related anemia, though longer-term studies are needed.