Anemia management in pediatric dialysis patients. Case study of the anemic patient

ANNA J. 1999 Jun;26(3):349-52.

Abstract

Anemia is equally devastating in children as in adults. Decreased energy levels from anemia can lead to deterioration in the ability to (a) exercise, (b) participate in the normal activities of childhood, and (c) learn. Moreover, these effects may make it difficult for children to engage in social interactions with their peers, thereby altering their development. Epoetin alfa therapy effectively ameliorates the anemia of end-stage renal disease in pediatric dialysis patients and thus minimizes many of these negative effects. This article examines the use of Epoetin alfa in the pediatric population, including the role of nurses in educating patients and ensuring prescribed outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / etiology*
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / metabolism
  • Child
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Epoetin Alfa
  • Erythropoietin / pharmacology
  • Erythropoietin / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hematinics / pharmacology
  • Hematinics / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Play and Playthings
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Hematinics
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Erythropoietin
  • Epoetin Alfa