Periodic Versus Continuous IV Iron Supplementation in HD Patients

Periodic Versus Continuous (at Every Session of Hemodialysis) iv Iron Supplementation in Chronic HD Patients

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two regimens of intravenous iron sucrose [continuous (in every hemodialysis session) versus intermittent (every 1-4 weeks)] on the response of rHuEPO in the maintenance phase of its administration in hemodialysis patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Constant rHu-EPO and iron dose for at least 2 months before starting the study
• Hemoglobin ≥ 8,5g/dl and <12,5 g/dl
• Ferritin < 1000 mg/dl
• TSAT < 50%
• CRP < 5 mg/dl

Exclusion Criteria:

• Malignant tumor disease
• Oral iron supplementation
• Active bleeding issues
• Surgical intervention within the last 8 weeks before study inclusion