Anemia

What is anemia & how it relates to chronic kidney disease

Anemia is a complication of chronic kidney disease that results in a state of fewer red blood cells in your body.

Healthy kidneys produce the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which tells your bone marrow to make red blood cells. If the kidneys are damaged and cannot make enough EPO, your bone marrow will not produce enough red blood cells, depriving the body of the oxygen it needs.

What are the symptoms of anemia?

  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Chest pain
  • Paleness
  • Dizziness
  • Problems concentrating
  • Difficulty breathing

For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), anemia is associated with reduced quality of life and increased cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, hospitalizations, and mortality.

Anemia is associated with poor outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients.

For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), anemia is associated with reduced quality of life and increased cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, hospitalizations, and mortality. It affects a large percentage of CKD patients.

Treating anemia in chronic kidney disease.

The treatment of anemia changed with the advent of the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA). Our Dallas Nephrology Associates kidney doctors will rule out other underlying treatable conditions, such as iron or vitamin deficiencies.

Ultimately, anemia in chronic kidney disease patients requires highly skilled and individualized care from experienced nephrologists like those at Dallas Nephrology Associates.

Get more information about chronic kidney disease.

To learn more about chronic kidney disease, its causes and associated disorders, click on the links below.

For leading-edge, compassionate, and effective care for chronic kidney disease in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, call Dallas Nephrology Associates at 877-654-3639. You can also contact us via our convenient online form.