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Important Facts That You Should Know About Anemia & Chronic Kidney Disease

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15 November 2024

โ€ข

3 minute read

Important Facts That You Should Know About Anemia & Chronic Kidney Disease

By Dr. T Kalaiselvam A/l Thevandran

Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure and chronic renal disease, is a condition that sees a gradual loss of kidney function over time.

People with this condition, often abbreviated as CKD, can go for dialysis to remove wastes and extra fluidsโ€”a task that their failing kidney could no longer perform at optimal levelโ€”or a kidney transplant to replace the affected kidney.

However, there is also a common complication that people with CKD should watch out for: anaemia.

How are chronic kidney disease & anaemia linked?

โ€œThere are a few possible mechanisms that can cause someone with chronic kidney disease to develop anaemia,โ€ says Dr. T Kalaiselvam Thevandran.

Reduced production of a hormone called erythropoietin

Erythropoietin or EPO is a hormone produced by the kidneys.

When there are low levels of oxygen in the body, the kidneys increased the production of EPO. This stimulates increased production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. With more red blood cells to transport oxygen in the body, the low levels of oxygen can be corrected.

โ€œSomeone with CKD may have kidney damage to an extent that their ability to produce EPO is compromised,โ€ explains Dr. Kalaiselvam. โ€œAs a result, the production of red blood cells decreases, leading to anaemia.โ€

Accumulation of uremic toxins

Uremic toxins are toxic substances that accumulate when the kidneys canโ€™t filter these toxins effectively from the blood.

Such toxins can inhibit the production as well as function of red blood cells.

Iron deficiency

Someone with CKD may experience iron deficiency due to reduced absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract, blood loss from frequent blood tests and/or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, and more.

Lack of iron will reduce the number of red blood cells produced in the bone marrow.

Shortened lifespan of red blood cells

โ€œIn someone with CKD, there is an increased breakdown of red blood cells,โ€ Dr. Kalaiselvam points out.

The shortened lifespan of red blood cells reduces their overall numbers in the bloodstream, thus contributing to anaemia.

How likely is someone with CKD to develop anaemia?

Dr. Kalaiselvam reveals that the prevalence of anaemia among people with early stages of CKD is relatively low.

โ€œHowever, as the personโ€™s kidney function declines, the risk of developing anaemia increases significantly,โ€ he adds, pointing out that the prevalence among people with advanced stages of CKD (stages 4 and 5) can be over 60%.

Oneโ€™s risk of developing CKD also depends on the underlying cause of the CKD. Diabetic nephropathyโ€”damage to kidney function due to diabetesโ€”is more strongly associated with the development of anaemia, for example.

People with CKD that have poor nutritional intake also face an increased risk of developing anaemia.

Common complications of anaemia
โ€“ Persistent fatigue and weakness
โ€“ Shortness of breath and difficulties in performing physical activities
โ€“ Heart problems with increased risk of stroke and heart attacks
โ€“ Cognitive impairment
โ€“ Weakened immune system
โ€“ Poor wound healing

If you have CKD, do these to reduce your risk of anaemia

  • Have regular medical check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your kidney function and overall health.
  • Work with your healthcare provider to manage and control your blood pressure through lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medications, if necessary.
  • Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to support red blood cell production. You can consult a registered dietitian that specializes in kidney disease to develop a personalized meal plan that meets your nutritional needs.

If you develop renal anaemia, it can be treated

โ€œRenal anaemia, which occurs as a result of chronic kidney disease (CKD), is typically treated through a combination of measures aimed at addressing the underlying causes and optimizing red blood cell production,โ€ Dr. Kalaiselvam reveals.

These measures typically include:

  • Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents or ESAs, which are synthetic forms of EPO that will stimulate production of red blood cells. These are usually administered via injection.
  • Iron supplements are beneficial especially for those that experience iron deficiency.
  • Nutritional support from a dietitian that specializes in assisting people with kidney diseases.
  • Blood transfusions can help to quickly increase the red blood cell count and improve symptoms in people with severe renal anaemia. However, transfusions are generally reserved for situations where immediate correction of red blood cell count is required or when other treatment options are not suitable.

Can renal anemia be completely cured?

โ€œAnaemia caused by CKD cannot be completely cured in most cases,โ€ Dr. Kalaiselvam says.

However, he assures that oneโ€™s symptoms and complications can be significantly improved with appropriate treatment and management.

โ€œIโ€™d recommend consulting with a healthcare professional that specializes in kidney disease to develop an individualized treatment plan and receive appropriate guidance and support,โ€ Dr. Kalaiselvam adds.

This article first appeared in Health & Wellness, September โ€“ October 2024

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15 November 2024

โ€ข

3 minute read

Important Facts That You Should Know About Anemia & Chronic Kidney Disease

By Dr. T Kalaiselvam A/l Thevandran

Subtopics

  1. 1

    How are chronic kidney disease & anaemia linked?

  2. 2

    How likely is someone with CKD to develop anaemia?

  3. 3

    If you have CKD, do these to reduce your risk of anaemia

  4. 4

    If you develop renal anaemia, it can be treated

  5. 5

    Can renal anemia be completely cured?

Dr. T Kalaiselvam A/l Thevandran

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