Lesley Bennett1. 1. Oxford Kidney Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK. Lesley.Bennett2@ouh.nhs.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is anaemia; how well this is treated may influence a patient’s independence. The use and the time-consuming nature of intravenous (IV) iron therapies can impose considerable challenges for patients. Time spent receiving and travelling to receive IV iron treatment can impact a patient’s feelings of independence. By recommending increased prescription of IV iron and minimising erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use, the recent Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Guideline on anaemia in CKD may compound this situation by increasing the number of hospital visits for therapy. METHODS: To assess the potential influence of the KDIGO Guideline on patient independence, this review explores factors that can impact the independence of a person with CKD and proposes how these potential issues may be addressed in the light of this new set of guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Although the KDIGO Guideline has the potential to reduce patient independence, by acknowledging the needs of the individual early on and employing a multi-disciplinary approach, a balance can be found between utilising the most recent guidelines and meeting the needs of the individual to ensure their on-going independence.
BACKGROUND: A common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is anaemia; how well this is treated may influence a patient’s independence. The use and the time-consuming nature of intravenous (IV) iron therapies can impose considerable challenges for patients. Time spent receiving and travelling to receive IV iron treatment can impact a patient’s feelings of independence. By recommending increased prescription of IV iron and minimising erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use, the recent Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Guideline on anaemia in CKD may compound this situation by increasing the number of hospital visits for therapy. METHODS: To assess the potential influence of the KDIGO Guideline on patient independence, this review explores factors that can impact the independence of a person with CKD and proposes how these potential issues may be addressed in the light of this new set of guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Although the KDIGO Guideline has the potential to reduce patient independence, by acknowledging the needs of the individual early on and employing a multi-disciplinary approach, a balance can be found between utilising the most recent guidelines and meeting the needs of the individual to ensure their on-going independence.