Treatment and costs associated with anemic chronic kidney disease patients

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current therapeutic options afforded to anemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and the costs of these interventions. Methodology: Literature search of articles within Ovid MEDLINE between 1996 and 2007 that pertained to the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients. Results: Early detection and treatment of anemia associated with CKD has proven to provide positive cognitive and physical effects. Treatment options that increase iron storage and availability within the body and production of erythropoietin can assist in anemic CKD patients in achieving recommended levels of hemoglobin. Acknowledgement of the potential side effects associated with the medications selected to treat anemia can help in avoiding additional injury to the patient and thus reduce healthcare expenditure. A limitation of this review is that the search was performed within a single database. Conclusions: Health care providers can play an active role in detecting anemia early and optimizing available treatment options. Future research on the effects of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) on patients before they need dialysis, and a cost analysis between epoetin and darbepoetin alpha, would be beneficial.