Leading Kidney Organizations Partner to Offer Unified Anemia Education Resource for Patients

Anemia is a Common Side Effect of Kidney Disease; New Educational Supplement Offers Questions to Ask Your Doctor, Guidelines for Tracking Anemia and Other Tips for Patients

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In order to help chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients learn more about anemia and its proper management, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), American Kidney Fund (AKF), Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Renal Physicians Association (RPA) and Renal Support Network (RSN) have teamed up to offer a new anemia education resource available at no charge to kidney patients and their physicians.

Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells.  Since it can be caused by inadequate levels of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which is normally made by the kidneys, anemia is very commonly experienced by kidney patients. If left untreated, anemia can lead to loss of energy, headaches, trouble sleeping, dizziness, shortness of breath, lack of appetite and a rapid heart rate.  The Treating Anemia education supplement was created to help patients work with their doctors to identify anemia’s symptoms, discuss the various treatment options available and monitor red blood cell counts together.

“Particularly when it comes to kidney disease and its related conditions, it is important for patients to have an open dialogue with their doctors regarding their care,” said Ed Jones, M.D., President of RPA. “This new unified education resource will help empower patients to ask questions and discuss the concerns they may have with anemia and their treatment, thereby improving patients’ peace of mind and compliance with their prescribed treatments.”  

Topics included in the anemia management resource include the importance of treating anemia, Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs) and other anemia treatments, questions for patients to ask and a table for patients to reference in tracking their anemia management with their doctor. The information will be distributed and made available online through AAKP, AKF, DPC, NKF, RPA and RSN.