ABSTRACT
The UK-based National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has updated its guidance on iron deficiency and anemia management in chronic kidney disease. This report outlines the recommendations regarding iron deficiency and their rationale. Serum ferritin alone or transferrin saturation alone are no longer recommended as diagnostic tests to assess iron deficiency. Red blood cell markers (percentage hypochromic red blood cells, reticulocyte hemoglobin content, or reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent) are better than ferritin level alone at predicting responsiveness to intravenous iron. When red blood cell markers are not available, a combination of transferrin saturation < 20% and ferritin level < 100ng/mL is an alternative. In comparisons of the cost-effectiveness of different iron status testing and treatment strategies, using percentage hypochromic red blood cells > 6% was the most cost-effective strategy for both hemodialysis and nonhemodialysis patients. A trial of oral iron replacement is recommended in people not receiving an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) and not on hemodialysis therapy. For children receiving ESAs, but not treated by hemodialysis, oral iron should be considered. In adults and children receiving ESAs and/or on hemodialysis therapy, intravenous iron should be offered. When giving intravenous iron, high-dose low-frequency administration is recommended. For all children and for adults receiving in-center hemodialysis, low-dose high-frequency administration may be more appropriate.
Subject(s)
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/diagnosis , Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/therapy , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/etiology , Erythropoietin/physiology , Humans , Iron/physiology , Meta-Analysis as Topic , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/complicationsABSTRACT
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition that commonly exists with other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart failure. The majority of people with CKD are managed in the community by a GP and community nursing team rather than a nephrologist. This article provides an overview of its stages, management and treatment.
