Anemia of the Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comparision Between Oral and Intravenous Iron Therapy Combined with Erythropoietin

Background: Anemia is a common and significant complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD), largely due to iron deficiency and reduced erythropoietin production. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of oral versus intravenous iron supplementation, each combined with subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), in improving iron status and anemia in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Methods: A total of 8 patients of CRF were included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into 2 groups. Group A received oral ferrous sulfate with subcutaneous (rHuEPO) and Group-B on intravenous Iran Dextran along with subcutaneous (rHuEPO). Hemoglobin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were measured at baseline and after six months. Gender distribution was comparable in both groups. Results: Both groups showed significant increase in hemoglobin and TSAT levels over six months (P=0.001), However, the increase was significantly higher in Group B. At six months, mean TSAT was 39.80±1.05% in Group B versus 26.96±0.95% in Group A (p=0.001), indicating superior efficacy of IV iron dextran in repleting iron stores. Conclusion: IV Iron dextran, when combined with rHuEPO, is more effective than oral iron in improving anemia and iron status in CRF patients.