A Proof-of-Concept Study of Darbepoetin Alfa in Partial Correction of Anemia in Chinese With Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetes is the leading cause of end stage renal disease and cardiovascular disease with 60 percent of the global diabetic population coming from Asia. Growing evidence confirms the predictive role of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This is due to the constellation of conventional and non-conventional risk factors in patients who develop CKD, such as anemia, inflammation and abnormal bone metabolism. In this regard, anemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in patients with CKD, patients with left ventricular dysfunction and in general population. Effective erythropoiesis is dependent on the production of erythropoietin by the kidneys. Anemia is a common finding in patients with diabetes and up to 20% of diabetic patients are noted to have anemia. In a meta-analysis of community-based population studies, anemia interacts with CKD to increase the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and all-cause mortality among patients with diabetes. Previous studies that examined the effect of erythropoietin therapy on anemic subjects with CKD did not find statistical difference in mortality rates between the treated and untreated groups. Possible explanations for the lack of benefits include higher level of blood pressure and increased blood viscosity leading to worsening of chronic congestive heart failure in the treated subjects. We hypothesize that partial correction of hemoglobin may be more appropriate.