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Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO249

Anemia Treatment Patterns in CKD: Results from Three International Surveys Among Physicians

Session Information

Category: Anemia and Iron Metabolism

  • 202 Anemia and Iron Metabolism: Clinical

Authors

  • Jackson, James, Adelphi Real World, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
  • van Haalen, Heleen, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Salehi, Hanna, Adelphi Real World, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
  • Milligan, Gary R., Adelphi Real World, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
  • Moon, Rebecca, Adelphi Real World, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk of developing anemia. We describe the use of anemia medications, internationally and in the US, by year, by Hb level and across CKD stages.

Methods

Data were drawn from the 2012, 2015 & 2018 Adelphi CKD Disease Specific Programmes. The real-world, point in time surveys included data from physicians (mostly nephrologists) and a random sample of their CKD patients across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom (EU5; included in 2012 and 2015), US (all years) and China (2015 only). Disease and treatment information, including oral iron, IV iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), was provided by the physicians and was analyzed descriptively. Blood transfusions were not considered.

Results

Data were available from 5488 non-dialysis (NDD) and 3490 dialysis (DD) patients (1350 and 1255 from the US, respectively). The overall prevalence across regions of Hb<10 g/dL was 8%, 7%, 15%, 20%, and 19% in patients CKD stage 3a, 3b, 4, 5 and dialysis, respectively, which increased slightly over time. Across regions, these patients were more likely to be treated for anemia in higher CKD stages. Although treatment rates varied by practice type, the overall proportion of US patients prescribed anemia medication increased to 42% of NDD patients (and varied by Hb levels; figure) and 80% of DD patients in 2018. The proportional use of ESAs in US NDD patients decreased from 75% to 49%, yet was stable in DD patients. In 2015, proportional ESA use in NDD patients was higher in EU5 countries than in the US.

Conclusion

CKD-anemia is most often treated in DD patients. Medication rates in NDD patients increased over time, yet anemia prevalence also increased, suggesting that anemia management can be optimized.

Funding

  • Commercial Support – AstraZeneca