#1579 The effectiveness and safety of sucroferric oxyhydroxide in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients: a systematic review
Authors: Oracion-Relato Katherine Ruth , Flores Gian Paulo 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Hyperphosphatemia is an independent prognostic factor for mortality in dialysis patients. The most widely used phosphate binders are sevelamer and lanthanum carbonate. Poor compliance may be due to high pill burden and gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Some previous studies on sucroferric oxyhydroxide showed a potential reduction of phosphorus levels and pill burden. This study aims to determine the effectiveness and safety profile of sucroferric oxyhydroxide in the control of hyperphosphatemia in dialysis-dependent patients.

Method

A systematic search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, TRIP Database, and ClinicalTrials.gov until Jan 8, 2024. All randomized controlled trials on the use of sucroferric oxyhydroxide for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in adult dialysis patients were included. The comparator groups considered were sevelamer or lanthanum. The outcomes of interest were post-treatment serum phosphorus level, the change of serum phosphorus level from baseline, hemoglobin level, ferritin level, transferrin saturation level, adverse events, serious adverse events, and all-cause mortality. Two authors independently searched for articles, screened the articles for inclusion, and appraised the articles using the REVMAN risk of bias table. The GRADE was used to assess the certainty of evidence. In case of a disagreement, the two authors discussed until a consensus was reached. If a consensus was not reached, an independent third-party reviewer was consulted. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1 software. 

Results

We included 7 RCTs represented by 11 records and a total of 2031 adult dialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia. The usual dose of sucroferric oxyhydroxide is 750 mg-3000 mg/day. Sucroferric oxyhydroxide reduces serum phosphorus levels comparable to that of sevelamer (MD = −0.03 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.03, I2 49%) and of lanthanum (MD = −0.02 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.36 to 33, I2 0%). The decrease in serum phosphorus level from the baseline is also comparable with sevelamer (MD = −0.06 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.13 to 0.00, I2 59%). Sucroferric oxyhydroxide significantly reduces the daily number of tablet intake (MD = −7.09 tablets/day, 95% CI −10.45 to −3.73, p-value &lt; 0.0001, I2 = 99%) compared to sevelamer. The use of sucroferric oxyhydroxide shows significantly higher hemoglobin level (MD = 1.15; 95% CI 0.92 to 1.39, p-value &lt; 0.0001, I2 = 0%), higher transferrin saturation level (MD = 8.33; 95% CI 6.06 to 10.59, p-value &lt; 0.0001, I2 = 0%) and higher ferritin level (MD = 64.16; 95% CI 31.64 to 96.68, p-value 0.0001) compared with the use of sevelamer. Pooled analysis on sucroferric oxyhydroxide showed no significant differences in adverse events (RR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.17, I2  = 47%); serious adverse events (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.47, I2 = 0%) and all-cause mortality (RR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.38 to 2.31, I2 = 0%) compared to sevelamer. The most common adverse events reported were nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, fecal discoloration, and hyperphosphatemia. 

Conclusion

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is comparable with sevelamer and lanthanum in decreasing serum phosphorus levels. It is also associated with higher hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels compared with the sevelamer group. Since there are no significant differences in the risks of adverse events, serious adverse events, and all-cause mortality, the decrease in pill burden with sucroferric oxyhydroxide may help improve patient compliance.