Course Director: Angelina Edwards, MD

Anemia and the Kidney

SPEAKER:
David Lyu, MD
Nephrology Fellow, PGY-5
Houston Methodist Hospital 

STATEMENT OF NEED

Anemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely linked, as the kidneys play a key role in producing erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. In CKD, damaged kidneys produce less erythropoietin, leading to reduced red blood cell levels and anemia. This can cause fatigue, weakness, and cardiovascular complications, worsening CKD outcomes. Understanding anemia in CKD is crucial for early diagnosis and management, as treating it can improve quality of life, reduce complications, and slow disease progression.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this activity, the participant should be

• Understand the pathophysiology of hemoglobin production.

• Be familiar with the hemoglobin goals in CKD and ESRD patients.

• Discuss the indications and contraindications for various new and established anemia treatments.

• Management of anemia in special populations.