title: The benefits of IV iron therapy in treating anemia in patients with renal disease and comorbid cardiovascular disease.
abstract: It is important for nephrology nurses to understand the relationship that exists between renal disease, cardiac disease, and anemia. Even mild cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been associated with an increase in adverse cardiovascular outcomes. And anemia, which can result from both CKD and congestive heart failure, has been shown to exacerbate the adverse consequences of these conditions. An early, aggressive correction of anemia in patients with CKD can be implemented to break this cycle and stop disease progression. Studies have shown that anemia correction improves both cardiac and renal function and can result in increased hemoglobin levels, decreased number of hospital days, and improved quality of life. An effective strategy for managing anemia in patients with renal disease and comorbid cardiovascular disease includes the administration of both recombinant human erythropoietin and intravenous iron. In addition, the nephrology nurse plays an integral role in managing anemia and improving outcomes in these patients. Therefore, the nephrology nurse should have an increased awareness of the link between anemia and renal/cardiac disease as well as available treatment options.
authors.affiliation: Renal Division Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Ajay K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hertello
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015984:Causality; D015897:Comorbidity; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000451:nursing; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006397:Hematinics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D058085:Iron Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000451:nursing; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006397:Hematinics; D006454:Hemoglobins; D058085:Iron Compounds; D004921:Erythropoietin