Efficacy of Desidustat in Increasing and Maintaining Hemoglobin Levels in Anemic Patients with CKD

Background: Desidustat, a novel hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, offers a promising therapeutic approach by stimulating endogenous erythropoietin production and promoting red blood cell production. The study aims to contribute valuable insights into the potential therapeutic role of Desidustat in improving hemoglobin parameter in anemic - CKD patients. Methods: This is a retrospective single centre, open label interventional study. Patients diagnosed with anemic CKD were enrolled into this study. The patients underwent desidustat therapy at a dosage of 100 mg thrice a week for the management of anemia associated with CKD. Regular follow -ups were conducted to monitor anemia and to ensure safety. In addition to anemia management, patients received standard treatment as per naive cause of CKD. Difference in hemoglobin parameter was analysed comparing the measurement at baseline to 4th follow up visit. Results: Total of 79 patients were included into study, 43(54.4%) male and 36(45.6%) female (Mean age 54.62 ± 13.99). In these 79 patients, 42(53.2%) were having diabetes mellitus, 67(84.8%) were having hypertension, 21(26.5%) were having glomerulonephritis, 19(24.1%) were having diabetic retinopathty and 28(35.4%) were having diabetic nephropathy as a concomitant disease. 28(35.4%) patients were on regular maintenance haemodylasis and 51(64.5%) were on iron supplement as per their requirement. Following treatment with desidustat, significant improvements in mean hemoglobin levels were observed at each follow-up visit (P value <0.05). There were no any reported adverse events during the treatment follow-up period. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of desidustat in improving significant hemoglobin levels in anemic CKD in both dialysis dependent and independent patients. A well designed, long duration, randomized controlled trial will further help in establishing this concept.Mean rise in Hb(p<0.05)