Are C-reactive protein and ferritin levels being overlooked in indigenous australians with chronic kidney disease?

Background: Indigenous Australians have significantly higher rates of end-stage renal disease and worse health outcomes than non-indigenous Australians.

Objectives: We investigated whether the effect of inflammation on C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin levels is being overlooked in indigenous patients with chronic kidney disease.

Design: Data for 23,000 patients were extracted from the Renal Anaemia Management database for the period November 1999 to October 2010.

Measurement: Haemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin saturation and CRP levels for indigenous and non-indigenous Australians were compared with target levels given in the Caring for Australians with Renal Impairment (CARI) guidelines.

Results: Compared with non-indigenous patients, indigenous Australians had higher median CRP and mean ferritin levels, lower mean haemoglobin level and were less likely to meet CARI targets.

Conclusion: The effect of inflammation on laboratory parameters should be considered particularly when treating indigenous Australians.