Exploring dosing frequency and administration routes in the treatment of anaemia in CKD patients.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents have dramatically changed the management of renal anaemia since their introduction almost 20 years ago. However, optimal dosing route and frequency are still a matter of debate. Intravenous application of recombinant human erythropoietin should be limited to haemodialysis patients and must be given three times weekly, as any reduction to this dosing frequency leads to a major increase in dose requirements. Administering recombinant human erythropoietin-beta once weekly via the subcutaneous route is effective. If conversion from the subcutaneous to the intravenous route is required, dose requirements for recombinant human erythropoietin therapy remain a subject of discussion.