Comparison between Intravenous Recombinant Human Erythropoietin and Subcutaneous Injection in Thai Hemodialysis Patients
Thananda Trakarnvanich MD* Supachai Thitiarcharkul MD**
Affiliation : * Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Bangkok Metropolitan Medicine College and Vajira Hospital ** Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Thammasat University
Objective : To compare the efficacy, safety and side effects between subcutaneous and intravenous route of
erythropoietin administration in Thai hemodialysis patients.
Design : Retrospective study.
Materials and Methods : Retrospective study of hemodialysis patients who switched the route of erythropoi-
etin administration from subcutaneous to intravenous in the Renal Unit Department of Medicine, Bangkok
Metropolitan Medical College and Vajira Hospital and Thammasat University was carried out. All patients’
information was obtained from the medical records.
Results : 60 patients with stable hematocrit level in the last 3 months of the subcutaneous phase who were
switched to intravenous route of erythropoietin administration for at least 6 months were recruited. The
mean hematocrit level of patients in the last 3 months of the subcutaneous period was 30.49 + 4.21 %. After
switching to the intravenous route for 6 months, the mean hematocrit level was 30.24 + 4.99%. Two patients
had to increase the erythropoietin dosage and no side effects were found in the present study. The mean
dosage of erythropoietin administered intravenously was not statistically different from the subcutaneous
route. There was no correlation between age, sex, cause of renal failure, transferrin saturation, reticulocyte
count, C reactive protein and the dosage of erythropoietin, together with the hematocrit level. No other side
effects were encountered during the intravenous phase.
Conclusions : This study has shown that the subcutaneous erythropoietin in hemodialysis patients can be
changed to the intravenous route in the same dosage with good response and stable hematocrit.
Keywords : Hemodialysis patient, Route administration, Erythropoietin, Hematocrit
