Anemia is undertreated in adults with low kidney function

Anemia is undertreated in adults with low kidney function

In an analysis of outpatient data from over 5 million adults, hemoglobin level measured < 10 g/dl in more than 20% with advanced kidney disease, but less than 4% were treated with erythpoiesis-stimulating agents, and iron testing was infrequent.

Anemia, a common complication of chronic kidney disease, is associated with adverse outcomes. Unfortunately, the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a normal hemoglobin level has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. This large study of over 5 million patients sought to describe the burden and risk factors associated with anemia by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level.

In a study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, researchers found that severe anemia was common and strongly associated with lower eGFR and multiple adverse outcomes. ESA use was rare.

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