Renal Anaemia

What are the effects of renal anaemia?

Because renal anaemia impairs the delivery and utilization of oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body, it has a wide range of effects on both quality of life and overall health and well being¹.

Cardiorespiratory system effects Exertional dyspnea Tachycardia, palpitations Cardiac enlargement, hypertrophy Risk of cardiac failure	CNS effects Debilitating fatigue Depression Impaired cognitive function
The vascular system effects Pallor of skin, mucous membranes and conjunctivae	Genital tract effects Menstrual problems Loss of libido

Cardiovascular disease is the foremost cause of death associated with CKD^2,3. With less oxygen available, the heart is forced to increase its output, which can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, reducing efficiency, increasing strain and increasing the risk of heart failure and death^1,4. Renal failure, anaemia and heart failure are often collectively referred to as the cardio-renal-anaemia syndrome.

Many of these effects can be reduced by correcting the underlying anaemia^3,5,6.

References:
1. NAAC (National Anemia Action Council) Anemia monograph. Available at: http:/anti-infectives/Paris-Event/Live-Webcast.cfmanemia.org/professionals/monograph/ [Accessed June 2008].
2. Drey N, Roderick P, Mullee M, Rogerson M. A population-based study of the incidence and outcomes of diagnosed chronic kidney disease. Am J Kidney Dis. 2003;42:677–84.
3. Foley RN, Parfrey PS, Kent GM, et al. Serial change in echocardiographic parameters and cardiac failure in end-stage renal disease. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2000;11:912–6.
4. Weiner DE, Tighiouart H, Vlagopoulos PT, et al. Effects of anaemia and left ventricular hypertrophy on cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2005;16:1803–10.
5. Gomez JM, Carrera F. What should the optimal target hemoglobin be? Kidney Int Suppl 2002;80:S39–S43.
6. Massa E, Madeddu C, Lusso MR, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment with erythropoietin on anemia, cognitive functioning and functions studied by comprehensive geriatric assessment in elderly cancer patients with anemia related to cancer chemotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2006;57:175–82.