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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 CKD2,3. 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 death1,4. 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 anaemia3,5,6.

 

Next in this section (What are the challenges of renal anaemia?) Read more


References:

  1. NAAC (National Anemia Action Council) Anemia monograph. Available at: http://anemia.org/professionals/monograph/
    [Accessed December 2006].
  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