Anemia Management Protocol Template

Anemia is best managed using a protocol that guides treatment decisions and provides a
consistent therapeutic approach. This section can help you customize an anemia management
protocol that will help patients achieve more stable Hb (Hct) within the target range of 11 to
12 g/dL for hemodialysis (or peritoneal dialysis) suggested by the National Kidney Foundation-
Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiatives (NKF-K/DOQI) guidelines. 22

The anemia management protocol guide is a conceptual scheme based on recommendations

included within the EPOGEN® package insert. Since clinical medicine does not always follow a
standard pathway, all dosing decisions should be consistent with the actual protocol, standing
orders, and physicians' orders in place in your facility. A protocol does not replace physician's
orders, documentation of care, or the patient's response to care.

Step 1: Select a target hemoglobin (hematocrit) range.

Parameters Clinical Notes

Define target Hb Hb to g/dL  The NKF-K/DOQI guidelines recommend a

(Hct): Hct % to % target Hb range of 11 to 12 g/dL (Hct of
33% to 36%)

 The EPOGEN® package insert recommends a

target Hb (Hct) range of 10 to 12 g/dL (30%
to 36%

Step 2: Define parameters for use of EPOGEN® (Epoetin alfa).

Parameters Clinical Notes

A. Start dose at: (U/kg TIW)  Dose EPOGEN® by weight:

recommended starting dose is
50 to 100 U/kg three times a
week (TIW)

 Maintenance doses may

range from 12.5 to 525 U/kg
TIW in a Phase 3 clinical
trial, and must be
individualized
B. Monitor Hb (Hct) to  Twice a week for 2 to 6 weeks
measure outcomes every: following any dose adjustment

 Monthly when the EPOGEN®

dose has stabilized
C.  Increase the dose in
Increase dose by % increments of 10% to 25%
when Hb (Hct) approaches:  Increase the dose when the Hb
(Hct) approaches the lower
end of the facility’s target
range
 When initiating therapy,
 increase the dose if the Hb
(Hct) does not increase 1.7 to
2 g/dL (5 to 6 points) after 8
weeks, and the Hb (Hct) is
below the suggested target
range

 Unless clinically indicated,

dose adjustments should not
be made more frequently
than once every 4 weeks
D.  Decrease the dose in
Decrease dose by % when
Hb (Hct) approaches: decrements of 10% to 25%
 Decrease the dose when the
Hb (Hct) approaches 12
g/dL/36%, or the upper end of
the facility’s target range
 If the Hb (Hct) rises more than
1.3 g/dL (4 points) in any 2-
week period, decrease the
dose

 Unless clinically indicated,

dose adjustments should not
be made more frequently
than once every 4 weeks
E.  Hold the dose of EPOGEN®
Hold the dose when Hb (Hct) is:
(Epoetin alfa) when the Hb
(Hct) is > 12 g/dL (36%) AND
a 10% to 25% decrease in the
dose does not slow the rate of
rise in the Hb (Hct)

 Holding the EPOGEN® dose can

lead to a dramatic decrease in
the Hb (Hct). In some cases,
Hb (Hct) levels > 12 g/dL may
be appropriate on the basis of
individual patient clinical
characteristics, and the
discretion of the physician.
F. If the dose is held, check Hb  Check the Hb (Hct) weekly to
(Hct) every: determine trends

Restart EPOGEN® at a reduced dose  Restart EPOGEN® at a 10% to

when Hb (Hct) is: 25% reduction in dose when
the Hb (Hct) has decreased to
within the facility’s target
range
Step 3: Define the parameters for use of iron. 14,22-26

Parameters Clinical Notes

A. TSAT % to
Select TSAT and
ferritin target %
range:
Ferritin ng/mL to
ng/mL
B. TSAT  The EPOGEN® package insert
Monitor recommends regular evaluation of iron
status for all patients receiving
Ferritin therapy. A TSAT >20% and a ferritin
>100 ng/mL are recommended to
TIBC support erythropoiesis.

 The NKF-K/DOQI guidelines

recommend evaluating iron
parameters at least every 3 months
C. Start oral iron at  Iron deficiency is defined as TSAT <
; when: 20% and ferritin < 100 ng/mL
 Many dialysis patients will require
higher levels
 Oral iron supplements are safe and
inexpensive, but reduced intestinal
absorption and poor patient
compliance limit their effectiveness
 Oral iron may be sufficient for
peritoneal dialysis patients
 Hemodialysis patients may require IV
iron supplements

 Recommended dosing for oral iron =

200 mg of elemental iron per day
D.  Consider IV iron if oral iron is
Stop oral iron
ineffective, or the patient cannot
and start IV iron
tolerate oral iron and TSAT and ferritin
when:
are below the facility’s target levels

 Rule out other causes of hyporesponse

that may affect iron levels (see step 4)
E. Calculate the  Calculate iron needs on the basis of
total dose of IV actual iron deficiency and blood loss
iron required to (see specific IV Iron Package Insert)
treat anemia  For patients with poor dietary intake,
and to replace add the calculation for replacing
iron obligatory iron loss (average 1 mg/day
stores/ongoing
 = 365 mg/year)

blood loss.  If necessary, administer a test dose

before the initial dose.
Administration of subsequent test
doses during therapy should be
considered.
F.  The patient has an allergic reaction
Discontinue IV
iron and use oral
iron when:  Use caution when administering IV
iron to a patient who has an
infection/inflammation
G.  Safe upper limits for iron parameters in
Discontinue all dialysis patients remain controversial
iron
 The NKF-K/DOQI Anemia Work Group
supplements
recommends maximum levels of 50%
when:
for TSAT and 800 ng/mL for serum
ferritin

 In a subsequent analysis of safety

considerations, Fishbane recommended
that ferritin levels not exceed 500
ng/mL25

Step 4: Monitor outcomes and assess for causes of hyporesponse if the target Hb (Hct) is not achieved.
NKF-K/DOQI recommends a target Hb (Hct) range of 11 to 12 g/dL (33% to 36%).

The EPOGEN® (Epoetin alfa) package insert recommends a target Hb (Hct) range of 10 to 12 g/d

Step 5: Document anemia management to achieve target Hb(Hct).

Parameters Clinical Notes

Does your medical record include the  Most recent Hb (Hct) (include date)
following?  Target Hb (Hct)
 Rationale for target Hb (Hct)
 Current EPOGEN® (Epoetin alfa) Dose
(if change required)
 New EPOGEN® Dose (if change
required)
 Rationale for new EPOGEN® dose

 Physician signature and date