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Anemia has many names. It is estimated that in the case of chronic kidney disease (CKD), it affects 5 in XNUMX patients. Not only does it take away the color of patients’ lives, but is associated with a number of complications. We explain what signals may indicate that you or your loved ones are suffering from renal anemia …
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects many systems, including the haematopoietic system. All thanks to erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that plays a key role in stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells (erythrocytes). It is the red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, providing the energy we need to carry out our daily activities. When our kidneys are damaged, they don’t make enough EPO, which in turn causes red blood cell counts to drop and we develop anemia, popularly known as anemia.
According to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), anemia is diagnosed when the hemoglobin concentration in the blood of a properly hydrated patient drops below the arbitrarily assumed value – 13,0 g / dL in men and 12,0 g / dL in women.
Previous studies show that renal anemia affects the majority of patients with CKD, and its incidence corresponds to a declining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). What is very important – it requires decisive treatment already in the early stages of the disease. Ignoring its symptoms not only worsens the quality of life of patients, but can lead to many complications, including damage to the cardiovascular system.
What signals may indicate that a CKD patient should have a complete blood count?
Feeling constantly tired
Although the clinical symptoms of anemia depend primarily on the speed and degree of its worsening, as well as on many factors dependent on the patient (his age, general condition, existing comorbidities), the vast majority of patients experience fatigue related to insufficient oxygen in the body. Anemia fatigue is different from fatigue after a sleepless night – sufferers experience a lack of energy all the time, regardless of the amount of rest or quality of sleep. This general weakening translates into their quality of life, both in the private and professional spheres.
Feeling of a lack of energy in the performance of daily activities
Cleaning the apartment, going for a walk with the dog or doing everyday shopping – activities that we have so far performed almost reflexively become exhausting for patients with anemia and take more time than usual.
Paleness
On physical examination, anemia is characterized by pale skin, best seen in the oropharyngeal mucosa, conjunctiva, lips, and nail plates. Apart from finding pallor, attention should be paid to the color of the skin – a pale-earthy shade accompanies anemia of chronic diseases, including renal anemia.
Headache and dizziness
Low hemoglobin levels affect the transport of oxygen to the brain. If the amount of oxygen supplied starts to drop, the blood vessels narrow, causing an increase in intracranial pressure and, consequently, causing headaches.
Dyspnoea
Symptoms of the circulatory and respiratory system in the course of slowly increasing anemia appear initially after exercise and then at rest. Patients begin to report shortness of breath and palpitations. Some patients, especially those with accompanying cardiovascular disease, develop angina and congestive heart failure. A systolic murmur is characteristic, best heard above the pulmonary valve.
Decreased appetite
Loss of appetite, especially in chronic disease, should be a signal that actions should be taken to help find the cause of anorexia and counteract its consequences. Anorexia may result in insufficient nutritional status and related complications.
Problems with clear thinking
Low oxygen blood may deteriorate the brain’s performance – in the nervous system, anemia may lead to impaired concentration and attention, deterioration of cognitive abilities, and drowsiness.
Feeling depressed or generally depressed
Decreasing activity or isolating yourself from others may be one of the symptoms that are noticeable to those around you. Many patients experience problems with mobilizing to action and low motivation.
Loss of libido, disorders of the menstrual cycle and fertility
Chronic anemia can lead to hormonal disruptions. In men, the concentration of free testosterone decreases, the concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone increase. Testosterone deficiency is associated not only with decreased libido, but also with sarcopenia (skeletal muscle catabolism), reduced bone mineral density and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, in women there is no pre-ovulatory increase in LH and estradiol levels. The levels of prolactin increase in both men and women.
Also read:
- Anemia has many names – what is anemia, what are its types and symptoms?
- What tests do you need to do to check the condition of your kidneys?
- Nephrogenic anemia – how is it treated?
- Different faces of anemia