Anemia Management
A routine diagnosis for the ESRD patient, anemia impacts virtually all body systems. Common complications associated with anemia are shortness of breath, fatigue, impaired oxygen delivery to tissues, cardiac enlargement, and impaired immune system response. Common causes of anemia include erythropoietin deficiency, blood loss, iron deficiency, inflammatory conditions, and vitamin deficiencies.
Consequences of anemia include both increased morbidity and increased mortality. Conversely, expert management of anemia leads to a decrease in the same. According to Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) reports, for every 1 gm/dL increase in hemoglobin level, the relative risk of death decreases by 5% and the risk of hospitalization decreases by 6%. Click here to see NW 8 performance. (link opens in new window)
To assist with anemia management efforts, thereby improving the lives of ESRD patients, we offer the following tools. Further information and/or assistance can be obtained by contacting the QI team at Network 8, Inc.
Tools and Resources
- http://www.kidney.org/professionals/kdoqi/ guidelines_updates/doqi_uptoc.html#an (link opens in a new browser)
- http://www.kidney.org/professionals/kdoqi/guidelines_anemiaUP/index.htm
- http://www.anemia.org (link opens in a new browser)
- Anemia fishbone diagram
- Anemia sample QAPI
Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESA) information
To view the FDA Advisory Panel decision regarding ESA dose restriction issued 9/12/2007, click here. (Link opens in new browser.)
To view the full version in HTML of the FDA Alert Issued 3/9/2007, click here. (Link opens in new browser.)
To view the full version in HTML of special information for kidney patients developed by the NKF, click here. (Link opens in a new browser.)
To view the full version in HTML of the Renal Physicians Association guidance document, click here. (Link opens in a new browser.)