Role of transfusions in CKD associated anemia
What is the role of transfusions in the treatment of CKD associated anemia?
RBC transfusion therapy for the anemia of Chroinc Kidney Disease in the pre-ESA era was associated with the transmission of bloodborne infections, iron overload, and sensitization for future kidney transplantation.
Despite the controversies regarding the risk versus benefits of ESA therapy, there is no dispute that ESAs decrease RBC transfusion requirements, and far fewer patients receiving ESAs require RBC transfusions than patients not receiving ESAs. Nonetheless, RBC transfusions are occasionally required in patients with anemia and CKD, despite the use of ESA and iron therapy, especially in the setting of acute blood loss.
