Role of Pentoxifylline in Treatment of Anemic Patients Suffering Chronic Hemodialysis: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Anemia is a major problem in patients with end-stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis. rh-EPO is used mostly to elevateserum hemoglobin level and improve complaints caused by anemia, although in some patients it may not be totally effective for treating the dis-ease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate pentoxifylline as a drug for treating anemia. Methods and material: Fifty patients were enrolled in the study anddivided into 2 groups. The case group took 400 mg of pentoxifylline daily for 6 months, while the control group took placebo for the same time. The levelsof hemoglobin and serum albumin, TIBC, iron, ferritin, and PTH, and use of rh-EPO were estimated. The data were analyzed using SPSS-18 software. Results: Of the 50 patients, 33 (66%) were male and 17 (34%) were female. Student paired t tests showed no significant difference in hemoglobin and serum albumin, TIBC, ferritin, and PTH levels, or use of rh-EPO between the case and control groups. However, iron level was significantly different in the 2 groups. Conclusion: In contrast to previous studies, our data do not support the concept that pentoxifylline elevates hemoglobin level and improves anemia, Further studies on a larger number of patients are requiredto assess whether or not pentoxifylline is useful in these patients.