An economic evaluation of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in CKD

CRD summary The study assessed the cost-effectiveness of treating non-dialysis and dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to a low, intermediate or high haemoglobin level target. The authors concluded that targeting ESA treatment to high haemoglobin levels was not associated with overall clinical benefit and resulted in considerable additional costs. The study methodology was good quality. Methods and results were reported in detail. Given the scope of the study, the authors’ conclusions appear appropriate.