Adverse Effects of Anemia
A common physiologic consequence of anemia is decreased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood with resultant tissue hypoxia. A compensatory mechanism is an increase in cardiac output, resulting in an increase in mass and contractile strength in the heart. Anemia is related to the progression of cardiovascular disease, including left ventricular hypertrophy, congestive heart failure, and ischemic heart disease in patients with CKD (McCarley & Burrows-Hudson, 2006). Other negative consequences include decreased physical function and stamina, fatigue, impaired cognition, sexual dysfunction, and decrease in quality of life. Anemia is also associated with increased hospitalization rates, morbidity, and mortality rates (Breiterman-White, 2007).
Early Treatment of Anemia
Although all adverse effects of anemia were not known in the early years of chronic dialysis, attempts at the correction of anemia were part of the treatment plan. These included blood transfusions and the use of anabolic steroids.
A common physiologic consequence of anemia is decreased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood with resultant tissue hypoxia. A compensatory mechanism is an increase in cardiac output, resulting in an increase in mass and contractile strength in the heart. Anemia is related to the progression of cardiovascular disease, including left ventricular hypertrophy, congestive heart failure, and ischemic heart disease in patients with CKD (McCarley & Burrows-Hudson, 2006). Other negative consequences include decreased physical function and stamina, fatigue, impaired cognition, sexual dysfunction, and decrease in quality of life. Anemia is also associated with increased hospitalization rates, morbidity, and mortality rates (Breiterman-White, 2007).
Early Treatment of Anemia
Although all adverse effects of anemia were not known in the early years of chronic dialysis, attempts at the correction of anemia were part of the treatment plan. These included blood transfusions and the use of anabolic steroids.
