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 elevate serum hemoglobin level and improve complaints caused by anemia, although in some patients it may not be totally effective for treating the disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate pentoxifylline as a drug for treating anemia. Methods and material: Fifty patients were enrolled in the study and divided 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 levels of 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 required to assess whether or not pentoxifylline is useful in these patients.