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Anaemia
Symptoms of Anaemia
include the following:-
- Tiredness
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Less able to excercise
- Possible breathlessness
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Anaemia is diagnosed by measuring the haemoglobin content of your
blood. Your red blood cells are partly made up of haemoglobin which contains
iron. If your body isn't making enough red blood cells your haemoglobin level
will be low and your iron level will also be low.
Causes of Anaemia
Normal, healthy kidneys
produce plenty of erythropoietin (EPO) which continually triggers the bone
marrow to make red blood cells. With kidney failure the production of red blood
cells is reduced. As a result you become anaemic.
Other Causes of Anaemia can include
:-
- Blood loss during haemodialysis
- Iron deficiency
- Lifespan of red blood cells shorter than
normal
- Gastritis
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In the short term Anaemia can be treated by
giving a blood transfusion but the beneficial effect is not long
lasting.
The best long term solution is in giving Human EPO (Recombinant
Human Erythropoietin). EPO will gradually bring your haemoglobin levels up and
once the desired level has been achieved it will be kept there.
Human
EPO does the same job as your own kidneys and triggers the bone marrow to make
red blood cells. Your consultant at the Renal Unit will decide if you need EPO.
Your haemoglobin level and general health will be taken into account. A full
blood count is carried out before embarking on EPO.
EPO is given by
injection and you will be taught by a nurse how to inject yourself. It is a
simple procedure. EPO is normally supplied as a white powder that is mixed with
ordinary sterile water which is supplied with it. Certain patients may be
supplied with EPO in ready made up syringes. Either way you will take an exact
dose which has been worked out for you.
EPO is expensive and must not be
wasted.
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