Effect of daprodustat on anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis

The efficacy of daprodustat for the treatment of anemic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. The aim of the study is to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of daprodustat for anemic patients with chronic kidney disease. We searched Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinical Trial Registries for randomized controlled trials comparing daprodustat with placebo for anemic patients with CKD. Four studies were included. Compared with placebo groups, daprodustat groups significantly increased hemoglobin (WMD 1.29 g/dL; 95% CI 0.96–1.62, p < 0.00001), transferrin (WMD 0.67 g/dL; 95% CI 0.45–0.89, p < 0.00001), and total iron binding capacity (WMD 9.97 g/dL; 95% CI 6.07–13.8, p < 0.00001). Daprodustat groups significantly decreased hepcidin (WMD − 76.1 μg/L; 95% CI − 91.8 to − 60.3, p < 0.00001) and ferritin (WMD − 63.6 μg/L; 95% CI − 96.6 to − 30.7, p = 0.0002) compared with that of placebo groups. In addition, there was no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups. Daprodustat could improve hemoglobin without increasing adverse events in the short term. Daprodustat may be another valuable choice for anemic patients with chronic kidney disease in the future.