Pain comparison after subcutaneous administration of single-dose formulation versus multidose formulation of epogen in hemodialysis patients.

Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection is an approved route of administration for recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin alfa).

Predictive performance of renal function estimate equations in renal allografts.

Aims: Various mathematical models have been developed to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) incorporating variables such as age, gender, height, weight, serum creatinine, and body surface area (BSA). Because adjustments in drug dosing are often based on estimated values of renal function, it is important to define which, if any, of the available models, is appropriate for a specific patient population. A study was undertaken to determine the bias and precision of four mathematical models to estimate GFR in renal allograft recipients.

Accuracy of technicians versus pharmacists in checking syringes prepared for a dialysis program.

The accuracy of pharmacy technicians versus pharmacists in checking drug doses prepared in syringes for a dialysis program was studied. Three pharmacy technicians from the pharmacy of a regional kidney disease program in Minnesota participated in the study after completing a training program and after common preparation errors had been identified by pharmacists. From November 1995 to April 1996, the technicians used labels printed from a database of pharmacist-verified orders to prepare and label i.

Randomized cross-over study of adverse reactions and cost implications of intravenous push compared with infusion of iron dextran in hemodialysis patients.

In many dialysis centers, iron dextran is administered by intravenous infusion rather than intravenous push (the method of administration recommended in the package insert) as a possible, but unproven, means to reduce side effects. This study was performed to determine whether there is a difference in adverse reactions between these two methods. Ten iron-deficient hemodialysis patients participated in a randomized, cross-over study of iron dextran 100 mg administered by intravenous push over 2 minutes (undiluted) or as a 30-minute intravenous infusion during the first hour of hemodialysis.