Management of anemia using recombinant human erythropoietin in patients on chronic hemodialysis.
Most hemodialysis patients experience symptomatic anemia related to their chronic renal failure that can limit physical activities, interfere with rehabilitation, and negatively affect the quality of life. Preliminary studies of the newly developed recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) have revealed that this drug can correct the anemia of chronic renal failure and alleviate many of its related symptoms. This article reviews the pathophysiology of this anemia, discusses rHuEPO, describes the nursing care of patients receiving rHuEPO, and considers future implications and areas for nursing research.
Cotton
S L
SL
Holechek
M J
MJ
D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life
D004921:Erythropoietin