Patient independence in chronic kidney disease and anaemia: implications of the 2012 KDIGO guideline.

BACKGROUND

A common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is anaemia; how well this is treated may influence a patient’s independence. The use and the time-consuming nature of intravenous (IV) iron therapies can impose considerable challenges for patients. Time spent receiving and travelling to receive IV iron treatment can impact a patient’s feelings of independence. By recommending increased prescription of IV iron and minimising erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use, the recent Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Guideline on anaemia in CKD may compound this situation by increasing the number of hospital visits for therapy.

METHODS

To assess the potential influence of the KDIGO Guideline on patient independence, this review explores factors that can impact the independence of a person with CKD and proposes how these potential issues may be addressed in the light of this new set of guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the KDIGO Guideline has the potential to reduce patient independence, by acknowledging the needs of the individual early on and employing a multi-disciplinary approach, a balance can be found between utilising the most recent guidelines and meeting the needs of the individual to ensure their on-going independence.