ATC Abstracts

American Transplant Congress abstracts

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
    • 2022 American Transplant Congress
    • 2021 American Transplant Congress
    • 2020 American Transplant Congress
    • 2019 American Transplant Congress
    • 2018 American Transplant Congress
    • 2017 American Transplant Congress
    • 2016 American Transplant Congress
    • 2015 American Transplant Congress
    • 2013 American Transplant Congress
  • Keyword Index
  • Resources
    • 2021 Resources
    • 2016 Resources
      • 2016 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2016 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2015-2016
      • AST Board of Directors 2015-2016
    • 2015 Resources
      • 2015 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2015 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2014-2015
      • AST Board of Directors 2014-2015
      • 2015 Conference Schedule
  • Search

Safety and Efficacy of Darbepoetin Alfa Dosing Strategies in Renal Transplant Recipients

J. A. Solis, A. Dao, T. Sam, T. Ma, A. F. Yango, B. V. Fischbach, N. Wilson

Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Meeting: 2022 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: 1662

Keywords: Blood transfusion, Dosage, Kidney transplantation

Topic: Clinical Science » Pharmacy » 30 - Non-Organ Specific: Clinical Pharmacy/Transplant Pharmacotherapy

Session Information

Session Name: Pharmacy II

Session Type: Poster Abstract

Date: Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Session Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

 Presentation Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Hynes Halls C & D

*Purpose: Post-transplant anemia (PTA) is a common phenomenon in renal transplant recipients (RTR). There are currently no consensus guidelines for PTA, however patients are commonly treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents such as darbepoetin alfa (DA). While previous studies have shown the efficacy of DA in RTR with PTA, optimal dosing remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate two dosing strategies for DA in RTR with PTA.

*Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in RTR who received at least one dose of DA from September 2019 to August 2021 at Baylor All Saints in Fort Worth and January 2021 to August 2021 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: high fixed-dose (HFD) of 200 mcg or weight-based dose (WBD) of 0.45 mcg/kg. Primary outcome was a composite of hemoglobin (Hgb) > 10 g/dL and freedom from blood transfusion by 12 weeks post DA initiation. Secondary outcomes include the median dose of DA, median number of DA doses per patient, change in baseline Hgb, and GFR estimated by the six variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD6) equation at 12 weeks. Safety outcomes include the incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and mortality.

*Results: Of the 110 patients that received at least one dose of DA, 49 (45%) received WBD and 61 (55%) received HFD. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups except for more Alemtuzumab use in HFD and rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin in the WBD group (Table 1). The WBD group had a significantly higher incidence of the primary composite outcome compared to the HFD group (61.2% vs 41%; OR, 2.27; 95% CI,1.05-4.9; p=0.036) (Table 2). While median number of doses were higher [4 (IQR, 2-6) vs. 2 (IQR, 1-4)], the WBD group had lower cumulative exposure by 250% (Table 3). The WBD group experienced a 1.5 g/dL increase in baseline Hgb compared to a 1.2 g/dL increase in the HFD group. There was a trend for higher median MDRD6 at 12 weeks with the WBD group [53 mL/min/1.73m2 (IQR, 37.0-67.9) vs. 46.6 mL/min/1.73m2 (IQR, 31.6-60.1)]. Regarding safety, there were 3 VTE events and 1 death in the WBD group and 2 VTE events and 2 deaths in the HFD group.

*Conclusions: This study demonstrates that WBD of DA in RTR with PTA is significantly associated with a higher incidence of achieving a Hgb > 10 g/dL and freedom from blood transfusion compared to HFD despite lower cumulative DA exposure. Rates of adverse events were also similar between both groups. This study highlights that WBD of DA in PTA is safe and effective, with potential for significant patient and health-system cost savings.

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Solis JA, Dao A, Sam T, Ma T, Yango AF, Fischbach BV, Wilson N. Safety and Efficacy of Darbepoetin Alfa Dosing Strategies in Renal Transplant Recipients [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2022; 22 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/safety-and-efficacy-of-darbepoetin-alfa-dosing-strategies-in-renal-transplant-recipients/. Accessed May 10, 2025.

« Back to 2022 American Transplant Congress

Visit Our Partner Sites

American Transplant Congress (ATC)

Visit the official site for the American Transplant Congress »

American Journal of Transplantation

The official publication for the American Society of Transplantation (AST) and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) »

American Society of Transplantation (AST)

An organization of more than 3000 professionals dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation. »

American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS)

The society represents approximately 1,800 professionals dedicated to excellence in transplantation surgery. »

Copyright © 2013-2025 by American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Cookie Preferences