What are other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Anemia of Renal Failure
• Anemia of Kidney Failure

What is Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease? (Definition/Background Information)

• Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Most individuals with kidney failure may also present anemia. Older adults are at an increased risk for Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease
• Anemia is a blood disorder with lower than normal amounts of red blood cells and hemoglobin. This lack of red blood cells can cause tissues and organs to not get enough oxygen and not function properly
• Some signs and symptoms of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease include fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin. The condition can be diagnosed with a blood test and an evaluation of one’s medical history
• Individuals with chronic kidney disease and with coexistent diabetes are at a greater risk for the condition. Those with Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease are at elevated risk for developing heart problems
• The treatment for Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease typically starts with treating the underlying chronic kidney disease; some individuals may also require blood transfusions. The depends on the severity of the underlying condition and may vary from one individual to another

Who gets Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Anemia is fairly common in individuals with chronic kidney disease, especially with advanced renal disease 
• Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease can affect individuals of any age, but is more common in older adults (especially those above 60 years of age)
• It occurs relatively equally in both males and females, and no gender predilection is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease? (Predisposing Factors)

• People with advanced stage kidney disease are at a greater risk for Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease
• Those with chronic kidney disease who also have diabetes are at a greater risk for anemia

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease? (Etiology)

Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease typically develops from kidney disease complications.

• Kidney damage causes a decrease in the production of erythropoietin (EPO), an essential hormone that signals the bone marrow to make red blood cells
• Decreased EPO levels caused a decrease in red blood cell production, which ultimately causes less oxygen to be delivered to the organs and tissues
• Individuals with chronic kidney disease may also have a low level of nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate, which can cause anemia

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease?

The signs and symptoms of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease depend on the severity of the condition and vary from individual to individual. The signs and symptoms may include:

• Fatigue or tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Weakness
• Body aches
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Headaches
• Sleep problems
• Trouble concentrating

How is Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease may include the following:

• A complete physical examination and assessment of symptoms
• An evaluation of medical history to determine the presence of predisposing factors such as:
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Kidney failure
• Blood tests:
  • Complete blood count (CBC), which may show decrease in the number of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets
  • Hemoglobin electrophoresis
  • Reticulocyte count test
• Bone marrow biopsy: This test may be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease. It may reveal an absence of the precursor cells that form all the three blood cell types
  • Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are usually performed on the pelvic bone. However, this test can also be performed on the breast bone (sternum), or a leg bone (below the knee, above the foot)
  • In this procedure, a large hollow needle is inserted through the skin, muscle, tissue and finally into the bone. The doctor uses twisting hand motion to penetrate the bone and push the needle into the bone marrow cavity. The fluid from the bone marrow is then extracted and the needle withdrawn
  • The extracted fluid/tissue is sent to the pathologist, who makes a definitive diagnosis. The pathologist may order additional special tests as required
• Additional tests to check for any predisposing factors, as advised by the healthcare provider, may be warranted

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the Possible Complications of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease?

The complications of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease may include: 

• Heart problems, since the heart is getting less oxygen than normal
• Complications due to stroke

How is Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease Treated?

The treatment of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease depends on the severity of the underlying condition(s):

• Treatment of underlying kidney disease
• Administration of erythropoiesis stimulating agents
• Blood transfusions

How can Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease be Prevented?

• Currently, researchers are yet to find a method of preventing Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease
• However, the underlying condition (kidney disease) can be managed to help delay the onset of anemia and prevent it from getting worse

What is the Prognosis of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease depends on the severity of the condition and the availability of resources for treatment. The prognosis can typically vary on a case-by-case basis.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease:

About 37 million American adults have chronic kidney disease, and it is reported that 1 in 7 individuals may have anemia.