Epoetin alfa therapy for anaemia in HIV-infected patients: impact on quality of life

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of epoetin alfa on the quality of life (QOL) of HIV-infected patients in the community setting, 221 anaemic (haemoglobin < or = 11 g/dl) HIV-positive patients from community-based treatment centres and physicians' offices were treated with epoetin alfa (100-300 units/kg subcutaneously 3 times a week) in a 4-month, open-label, non-randomized, phase IV trial. Epoetin alfa therapy significantly (P<0.01) increased and maintained haemoglobin levels (mean increase=2.5 g/dl; n=207); the improvement in haemoglobin levels was independent of changes in CD4+ cell counts. Transfusion requirements were also significantly reduced from 20% to 5% of patients (P<0.01). Mean total QOL score measured by the Functional Assessment of HIV Infection (FAHI) scale and Physical Well-Being subscale score improved significantly (P<0.05). QOL improvements associated with increases in haemoglobin were independent of changes in CD4+ counts and baseline anaemia severity. Adverse events observed during epoetin alfa therapy were consistent with HIV disease and not likely due to the drug. Epoetin alfa therapy should be considered a treatment option for HIV-infected patients with mild-to-moderate anaemia.