Scientific Poster Session III - Original Research

Original Research
  Monday, November 13, 2023
  01:00 PM–02:30 PM

Abstract

Introduction:

Patients on regular hemodialysis (HD) are at the highest risk of developing anemia. Vitamin D deficiency is also common in HD patients. Recent studies have suggested that improving vitamin D status can reduce both anemia and the need for higher recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) dosing.

Research Question or Hypothesis:

This study is to demonstrate the pleotropic effects of two regimens of cholecalciferol intake on anemia parameters and erythropoietin sensitivity in HD patients.

Study Design:

A prospective, randomized trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of weekly versus, monthly cholecalciferol, on anemia parameters and erythropoietin sensitivity.

Methods:

Fifty eligible HD patients were randomly assigned to either weekly 50.000IU or monthly 200.000IU. Levels of hemoglobin (Hgb), levels of ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), erythropoietin sensitivity index (ERI) and cumulative dose of erythropoietin, were all assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.

Results:

Adding weekly 50.000IU or monthly 200.000IU of cholecalciferol to the HD patients’ standard of care for 3 months’ period has resulted in a total 36/50 (72%) of the patients had their EPO doses reduced by 25%. Cholecalciferol significantly increased levels of Hgb in both groups, with a higher significant increase in the weekly regimen (+2.67 mg/dl) vs. (+0.70 mg/dl) in the monthly regimen (P <0.001). A significant increase in TSAT (P= 0.005) and a significant decrease in ferritin levels (P=0.03) were also observed in the weekly regimen. Weekly regimen had a higher significant decrease in the monthly doses of EPO needed (-11.600 IU vs. -6160 IU) and ERI (-4.76 vs. -2.68, P <0.001) compared to the monthly regimen.

Conclusion:

Cholecalciferol had an ameliorative action on anemia in HD patients. Weekly 50.000 IU regimen seemed to have better control on anemia parameters and EPO dosing and sensitivity more than the monthly 200.000IU regimen.

Presenting Author

Mona Alshahawey M.Sc, PhD Clinical Pharmacy
Ain Shams University - School of Pharmacy

Authors

Radwa Elborolossy PhD Clinical Pharmacy
Ain Shams University - School of Pharmacy

Tamer Elsaid MD Nephrology
Ain Shams Univeristy - School of Medicine

Lamia Elwakeel PhD Clinical Pharmacy
Ain Shams Univeristy - School of Pharmacy

Nagwa Sabri PhD Clinical Pharmacy
Ain Shams Univeristy - School of Pharmacy