Effect of daprodustat on anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of daprodustat for the treatment of anemic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. The aim of the study is to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of daprodustat for anemic patients with chronic kidney disease.

METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinical Trial Registries for randomized controlled trials comparing daprodustat with placebo for anemic patients with CKD.

RESULTS: Four studies were included. Compared with placebo groups, daprodustat groups significantly increased hemoglobin (WMD 1.29 g/dL; 95% CI 0.96-1.62, p < 0.00001), transferrin (WMD 0.67 g/dL; 95% CI 0.45-0.89, p < 0.00001), and total iron binding capacity (WMD 9.97 g/dL; 95% CI 6.07-13.8, p < 0.00001). Daprodustat groups significantly decreased hepcidin (WMD - 76.1 μg/L; 95% CI - 91.8 to - 60.3, p < 0.00001) and ferritin (WMD - 63.6 μg/L; 95% CI - 96.6 to - 30.7, p = 0.0002) compared with that of placebo groups. In addition, there was no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Daprodustat could improve hemoglobin without increasing adverse events in the short term. Daprodustat may be another valuable choice for anemic patients with chronic kidney disease in the future.