Strategies for successfully managing the anemia of chronic kidney disease in the long-term care setting.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the challenges of and strategies for treating anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in geriatric patients.


METHODS
Recent literature (1995-present)


METHODS
Papers that focused on geriatric patients and provided background on erythropoiesis and management of anemia that is associated with CKD disease were reviewed and included.


METHODS
Data included in the review are relevant to the risks and benefits of treatments for anemia that is associated with CKD.


RESULTS
A review of the data allowed a relevant discussion of the current knowledge base of anemia that is associated with CKD in geriatric patients with a goal of enhancing the clinician's ability to effectively manage anemia in this population.


CONCLUSIONS
The treatment of the anemia of CKD in the long-term care setting requires an understanding of the risks and limitations of the currently available therapies. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are often indicated in combination with iron supplementation. The activity and adverse effect profiles of the available agents are comparable. The decision to treat anemia in the long-term care setting should be based on a consideration of the risks and benefits of treatment.
Germain
Michael J
MJ
Western New England Renal and Transplant Associates, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. michael.germain@bhs.org
D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006397:Hematinics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D058085:Iron Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D008134:Long-Term Care; D018570:Risk Assessment
D006397:Hematinics; D058085:Iron Compounds