Causes of Anaemia in Advanced Kidney Disease (Coursework Sample)

Anaemia
Name
Course
Professor’s name
University name
City, State
Date of submission
Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition that results from the lack of enough red blood cells in the body. The condition causes red blood cells to transport less oxygen to the heart and brain leading to malfunctioning of these organs and tissues. The condition is common in people with advanced kidney disease. Anemia begins to develop at early stages when kidney function is 20-50 percent. As the kidney disease advances, anemia also continues to worsen.
Causes of Anaemia in Advanced Kidney Disease
Most individuals with renal failure are anemic. Damaged kidneys do not produce erythropoietin (EPO). Lack of erythropoietin results of reduced number of red blood cell manufactured from the bone marrow. The decreased number of red blood cells causes anemia, which leads to lack of oxygen in the body. Blood loss from hemodialysis, low level of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are some of the common causes of anemia in people with kidney disease (Locatelli et al., 2008). Folic acid, Iron, and Vitamin B12 are essential nutrients for red blood cells to manufacture haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the red pigment found in the red blood cells to help in the transport of oxygen. Inflammatory bowel disease, chronic infections such as diabetes, ulcers and malnutrition are also causes of anemia in advanced kidney disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Anaemia in Advanced Kidney Disease
A person with anemia in advanced kidney disease has signs and symptoms such as, pale skin, general body weakness, fatigue, headaches, lack of concentration, difficulty breathing, chest pain, feeling dizzy and shortness of breath. Once a person has developed these signs, they are advised to seek immediate medical attention (Hörl, 2013). Heart problems are some of the complications of anemia in an individual with advanced kidney disease. An irregular heartbeat or fast heartbeat hinders the flow of blood in the body. Muscle enlargement of the heart prevents the heart from supplying the body with enough blood.
Diagnosis of Anaemia in Chronic Kidney Disease
Diagnosis is based on taking the medical history of the patient, carrying out a physical examination, and blood sample tests. A health care provider should first check the skin color of the patient while taking the medical history (Locatelli et al., 2008). A physical examination requires the health care provider to examine a patient’s body by checking the skin color. Blood samples can also be used to determine a complete blood count to diagnose advanced kidney disease bya measuring the type and number of blood cells in the body.
Management of Anaemia in Advanced Kidney Disease
Management involves the use of the Erythropoietin, iron, Red Blood Cell Transfusions or Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplements control anemia. When managing anemia, the first step should be to raise low iron levels. However, the use of iron pills is not efficient in patients on hemodialysis (Pagels and Hylande...