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ESAs And Transfusions In Dialysis Patients: Watching For The Tipping Point

 
• By Cathy Kelly

A study from the U.S. Renal Data System contributes to concerns that decreasing use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents like Amgen’s Epogen in dialysis patients can lead to a significant increase in the need for blood transfusions.

A new report from the U.S. Renal Data System contributes to concerns that decreasing use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents like Amgen Inc.’s Epogen (epoetin alfa) in dialysis patients can lead to a significant increase in the need for blood transfusions. The data are relatively limited so far but could be worrisome for patients and have implications for Medicare coverage policy down the road.

Funded by NIH, the study was presented to the National Kidney Foundation at a meeting in Washington, D.C. May 11....

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More from Government Payers

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