Anemia Drugs Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Problems

A recent large-scale meta-analysis of 27 clinical studies and more than 10,000 kidney disease patients found that increased use erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) increases risk in a number of areas for people taking the anemia drugs.

“Targeting higher hemoglobin levels in CKD increases risks for stroke, hypertension, and vascular access thrombosis and probably increases risks for death, serious cardiovascular events, and end-stage renal disease,” the researchers concluded in the study published online May 3 in the Annals of Internal Medicine . “The mechanisms for harm remain unclear, and meta-analysis of individual-patient data and trials on fixed ESA doses are recommended to elucidate these mechanisms.”

Click HERE to read the study.

The study found that patients taking anemia drugs at the highest doses had a 51 percent increased risk for stroke and a 33 percent increased risk for thrombosis.

A recent BioTrends study found that clinical studies have already altered the way physicians prescribe ESAs. With the bundle looming, financial constraints could affect it even more. Hopefully, the new quality control mechanisms CMS has agreed to will help mitigate these affects to make sure patients are getting the right amount.