Michael J Germain1. 1. Western New England Renal and Transplant Associates, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. michael.germain@bhs.org
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the challenges of and strategies for treating anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in geriatric patients. DATA SOURCES: Recent literature (1995-present) STUDY SELECTION: Papers that focused on geriatric patients and provided background on erythropoiesis and management of anemia that is associated with CKD disease were reviewed and included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data included in the review are relevant to the risks and benefits of treatments for anemia that is associated with CKD. DATA SYNTHESIS: A review of the data allowed a relevant discussion of the current knowledge base of anemia that is associated with CKD in geriatric patients with a goal of enhancing the clinician's ability to effectively manage anemia in this population. CONCLUSION: The treatment of the anemia of CKD in the long-term care setting requires an understanding of the risks and limitations of the currently available therapies. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are often indicated in combination with iron supplementation. The activity and adverse effect profiles of the available agents are comparable. The decision to treat anemia in the long-term care setting should be based on a consideration of the risks and benefits of treatment.
OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the challenges of and strategies for treating anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in geriatric patients. DATA SOURCES: Recent literature (1995-present) STUDY SELECTION: Papers that focused on geriatric patients and provided background on erythropoiesis and management of anemia that is associated with CKD disease were reviewed and included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data included in the review are relevant to the risks and benefits of treatments for anemia that is associated with CKD. DATA SYNTHESIS: A review of the data allowed a relevant discussion of the current knowledge base of anemia that is associated with CKD in geriatric patients with a goal of enhancing the clinician's ability to effectively manage anemia in this population. CONCLUSION: The treatment of the anemia of CKD in the long-term care setting requires an understanding of the risks and limitations of the currently available therapies. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are often indicated in combination with iron supplementation. The activity and adverse effect profiles of the available agents are comparable. The decision to treat anemia in the long-term care setting should be based on a consideration of the risks and benefits of treatment.