European Medicines Agency Novel Treatment for Children’s CKD
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. CKD is caused by elevated blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes and 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure do have CKD. There are Five CKD stages and are based on the GFR levels. Though there is no cure for CKD yet it’s symptoms can be mitigated with certain treatments.
As per the data of CDC, approximately 37 million US adults are estimated to have CKD and 9 in 10 of adults don’t know even that they suffer from CKD. In children less than 18 years age glomerulonephritis and polycystic kidney disease are the prime causes of End Stage Kidney Disease.
In general patients with CKD unable to eliminate phosphates, thus causing hyperphosphatemia which in turn leads to its effect on heart and bones. In this connection, European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has granted an extension for Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) indicated for minimizing the serum phosphorus levels in children of 2-6 years old and who are in stage 4 and stage 5 CKD.
The product, Velphoro is composed of a mixture of iron (III)-oxyhydroxide, sucrose and starches, which acts as phosphate binder and prevents the phosphates absorption, thus decreases the indications of hyperphosphatemia. Also, when Velphoro used along with Calcium, Vit-D supplements regulated the CKD associated bone diseases.
The commonest side effects of Velphoro is gastro intestinal disorders. The indication of Velphoro for children is really a boon!
