Iron-based phosphate binders are as effective as sevelamer for treating hyperphosphatemia and may be useful in managing anemia in dialysis patients, according to a recently published systemic review and meta-analysis.

A team led by Rong Wang, MD, of Shandong Provincial Hospital in Shandong, China, analyzed 8 randomized controlled trials of iron-based phosphate binders with a total of 2,018 dialysis patients. The binders were superior to placebo in decreasing serum phosphorus levels (mean decrease of 2.43 vs. 1.68 mg/dL), the investigators reported in Renal Failure (2015;37:7-15). Iron-based binders and sevelamer decreased serum phosphorus to a similar extent.

Compared with placebo, iron-based binders were associated with significantly higher serum iron and serum transferrin saturation and significantly lower serum total iron binding capacity.

The researchers concluded that “iron-based phosphate binders may represent a new treatment option for dialysis patients.”

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