Effect of Roxadustat on Cardiovascular System and Malnutrition-Inflammation-Atherosclerosis (MIA) Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

Renal anemia is a frequent and significant complication in patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis, affecting over 90% of this population. Anemia adversely impacts quality of life and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, hospitalization rates, and mortality. These patients also commonly experience Malnutrition-Inflammation-Atherosclerosis (MIA) syndrome and have significantly elevated cardiovascular mortality compared to the general population. While Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are a mainstay of therapy, concerns exist regarding potential adverse events, particularly with high doses, highlighting the need for alternative or complementary strategies.

Roxadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) that represents a newer class of agents for treating renal anemia. By inhibiting HIF degradation, Roxadustat mimics a hypoxic state, leading to enhanced endogenous erythropoietin synthesis and improved iron metabolism pathways. While its efficacy in managing anemia is established, its potential effects on the interconnected issues of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and MIA syndrome in the hemodialysis population remain poorly understood and require further investigation.

This study hypothesizes that Roxadustat, compared to conventional anemia management, may offer benefits beyond hemoglobin correction, potentially improving cardiovascular parameters and ameliorating aspects of the MIA syndrome in hemodialysis patients.

This is a randomized, open-label, parallel-group, controlled clinical trial conducted at the Urology and Nephrology center, Mansoura University. Eligible chronic hemodialysis patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive either Roxadustat (intervention group) or continue conventional anemia therapy (control group) for a duration of 6 months. Conventional therapy typically includes ESAs and iron supplementation as per standard clinical practice.

Key assessments will include evaluation of cardiovascular status (utilizing echocardiography for structural and functional assessment, and Doppler ultrasound for carotid intima-media thickness), markers relevant to MIA syndrome (including anthropometric measurements, inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and Endothelin-1, nutritional markers, lipid profiles, and measures like normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR)), and parameters related to anemia management (hemoglobin, iron indices). Data will be collected at baseline and at the end of the 6-month study period. Safety monitoring will occur throughout the trial. Statistical analysis will compare changes between the two groups using appropriate methods for quantitative and qualitative data.