To observe the effects of Shengxuening in treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage Ⅲ- Ⅳ complicated with renal anemia.

96 enrolled CKD patients with moderate anemia were randomly divided into two groups: group A was given oral Shengxuening tablets, and group B given oral iron dextran tablets; and both groups also received recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) for 12 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the patients were observed for the changes in hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), transferrin saturation (TSAT), serum albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), C-reactive protein (CRP), and EPO dosage. The follow-up was made for half a year. The SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis.

The anemia was improved in both of the two groups. The speed and amplitude of increase in Hb, SF, and TSAT of group A were greater than those of group B (P<0.05). The usage of rhEPO in group A was less than that in group B (P<0.05). After the treatment, renal function and CRP did not change significantly in both groups (P>0.05); but the ALB level in group A was higher than that in group B (P<0.05). Group A had no obvious adverse reactions. The improvement in anemia after follow-up for half a year was relatively stable.

Shengxuening could improve iron metabolism, was effective and safe in the treatment of renal anemia of patients with CKD, and could reduce the useage of rhEPO.