An assessment of the use of erythropoiet in stimulating agents in Kenyatta national hospital

Abstract

Background: Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESAs) provide relief and decrease blood transfusion support among patients with anemia induced by chronic renal failure and cancer chemotherapy. However. there is risk of cardiovascular and thrombovascular events occurring in the course of treatment. Objective: This study will seek to find out whether recommendations set out in Clinical Oncology Practice Guidelines are followed at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and what monitoring parameters are considered in patients receiving ESAs. Method: The study design will be hospital based descriptive retrospective study in which' medical record files of patients to whom ESAs were dispensed from Kenyatta National Hospital Main pharmacy and inpatient pharmacies between January 2011 and December 2011 will be evaluated. The study variables will include patient demographics, diagnosis, indication for use of ESAs. the dosage. frequency, duration of therapy, laboratory parameters including Hb level and time to reach target Hb. Data collected will be analyzed and summarized using tables, graphs and summary statistics. Intended use of results: It is hoped that the findings from this study will be used to improve the use of ESAs at KNH in order to achieve maximum benefit to the patients. The results will also be useful in developing an institutional protocol for the use of ESAs. Results: The studies have shown that the Lise of erythropoietin in KNH is predominantly in renal patients (95.93%) and a very small percentage use in oncology (4.07%). It has enabled us to settle on a conclusion over the debate on whether ESAs are used rationally or irrationally. It is used irrationally due to poor patient monitoring and follow up. Further work needs to be done to improve on the use.