Pharmacist's role in managing anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease: potential clinical and economic benefits.

PURPOSE: Barriers to the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the role of pharmacists in screening patients for anemia and developing guidelines for the use of anemia therapies in patients with CKD, the goals of and considerations in developing pharmacist-managed anemia management clinics, and the potential benefits of these clinics are described.
SUMMARY: The complexity of patients with CKD, patient nonadherence to the treatment regimen, a shortage of nephrologists, and a lack of familiarity with clinical practice guidelines and recommendations for treating anemia in these patients are possible barriers to the treatment of anemia. Pharmacists can play a role in improving the treatment of anemia in patients with CKD by screening for anemia, developing guidelines for the use of anemia therapies, and providing patient education to promote adherence to the treatment regimen. The optimal upper limit for hemoglobin concentration during treatment with erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESA) in patients with CKD remains to be determined, but it should not routinely exceed 13.0 g/dL. Extended dosing of darbepoetin alfa and the new agent continuous erythropoiesis receptor activator appears effective. Iron status often is not assessed in patients with CKD because of difficulty interpreting iron laboratory values and identifying iron deficiency. The usefulness of iron supplementation is not limited to patients with iron deficiency. The intravenous (i.v.) or oral route of administration may be used for iron supplementation in predialysis patients and peritoneal dialysis patients, but the i.v. route is recommended for hemodialysis patients. Adverse effects and drug interactions limit the use of oral iron supplements. Administration of parenteral iron is time consuming and accompanied by concerns about iron accumulation and uncertainty about the optimal maximum serum ferritin concentration. Improved access to care and clinical outcomes and reduced costs have been documented in pharmacist-managed anemia management clinics.
CONCLUSION: Pharmacists can help overcome barriers to treating anemia in patients with CKD. Clinical and economic benefits are associated with pharmacist-managed anemia management clinics.