Anemia in CKD: prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment. Case study of the anemic patient.

A point-in-time observational study was conducted in over 1,000 nephrology offices between November 1999 and December 2000 to determine the prevalence of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Trends in hemoglobin (Hb) and serum creatinine (SCr) levels were assessed among 4,831 evaluable patients to determine the relationship between renal function and anemia. Results demonstrated that anemia is common in patients with CKD, with progressive increases in prevalence and severity as renal function deteriorates.