Infection and inflammation in patients on dialysis: an underlying contributor to anemia and epoetin alfa hyporesponse

Abstract

Acute or chronic infections or inflammatory conditions can exacerbate anemia in patients on dialysis. The primary goal is to identify and treat the underlying disorder, while minimizing the impact on hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Nurses can be instrumental in minimizing the impact of these conditions by monitoring the longitudinal trends in Hb levels, proactively assessing patients for inflammatory or infectious conditions, and intervening to resolve causative conditions and minimize the impact on anemia.