# Desidustat for the Treatment of Anaemia in Adult End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients on Maintenance Haemodialysis: A Prospective Observational Study

## TL;DR

This study shows that desidustat effectively treats anemia in kidney disease patients on dialysis, with a good safety profile.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence of desidustat's efficacy and safety in treating anemia in ESKD patients on hemodialysis.

## Key findings

- Desidustat achieved a 76% response rate with a 9.56% increase in hemoglobin levels over 6 months.
- Higher baseline serum iron and ferritin levels predicted better responses to desidustat.
- Desidustat reduced ferritin, TSAT, LDL, and total cholesterol without affecting blood pressure.

## Abstract

Anaemia is a prevalent complication in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), significantly impacting morbidity and mortality. Desidustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, offers an alternative to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for managing anaemia. This study aims to assess the response of haemoglobin and safety and efficacy of desidustat in ESKD patients.

This prospective observational study evaluated the efficacy and safety of desidustat in 50 ESKD patients on maintenance haemodialysis. Patients received 100 mg oral desidustat thrice weekly for 6 months, with regular monitoring of haemoglobin, iron profiles, lipid profiles, and adverse effects.

This study demonstrated a 76% response rate to desidustat, with a mean haemoglobin rise of 0.82 g/dL (9.56% increase) over 6 months. Notably, higher baseline serum iron and ferritin levels predicted greater responses. Additionally, desidustat reduced serum ferritin, TSAT, LDL, and total cholesterol levels without impacting blood pressure.

Desidustat demonstrated efficacy and safety in ESKD patients on haemodialysis, offering effective haemoglobin management and a favourable safety profile. These findings support desidustat as a viable treatment option for patients with anaemia, providing a valuable alternative to existing therapies.