Nephrology

Chronic Renal Failure, Epoetin for Anemia

August 2001

Clinical Focus*

Adult Patients with CRF

• Based on evidence from interventional studies what are the outcomes of maintaining target Hct above 36 percent compared with maintaining target Hct in the 30 to ≤ 36 percent range or, more importantly, in the 33 to ≤ 36 percent range?
• Based on evidence from associational studies what are the outcomes of maintaining target Hct above 36 percent compared with maintaining target Hct in the 30 to 36 percent range or, more importantly, in the 33 to ≤ 36 percent range?

Pediatric Patients with CRF

• What is the effect on outcomes of maintaining an Hct above 30 compared with 27 to ≤ 30 percent or, maintaining Hct above 33 compared with 27 to ≤ 33 percent?

Subpopulations of Interest (with or without CRF)

• What is the effect on outcomes of maintaining the Hct level ≥ 36 percent as compared with 30 to ≤ 36 percent in the following patient subgroups (regardless of the presence of renal failure): patients who have coronary artery disease; patients who have congestive heart failure; patients who live at high altitude; patients who have arterial occlusive disease; patients who have cerebrovascular disorders; patients who have obstructive lung disease; patients who are in the adolescent age group.

*Addressed in the summary or evidence report.

Use of Epoetin for Anemia in Chronic Renal Failure
Summary (Publication No. 00-E015, August 2001)
Evidence Report (Publication No. 01-E016, August 2001)
(File Download)

EPC: Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association TEC
Topic Nominators: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology

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