Levels of hemoglobin (Hb) higher than 12 g/dL are commonly correlated with top-tier quality of life health scores as well as better overall outcomes in CKD patients who are not undergoing dialysis according to a new study.

Ronald L. Pisoni, PhD, MS, of Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, relayed in the Journal of Renal Nutrition that this provides evidence [Hb] levels higher than the current 10.0-11.5 g/dL recommendations could benefit these populations.

Researchers followed 2121 stage 3-5 CKD patients from the U.S. and Brazil in order to complete the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument (KDQOL-36) and Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity survey. Their findings quickly revealed severely anemic patients with Hb levels less than 10 g/dL exhibited the worst quality of life scores, however, even moderately anemic patients with Hb 10 to 12 g/dL had subpar scores compared with mildly or non-anemic patients (Hb exceeding 12 g/dL).

Both moderate and severe anemia were associated with 26% and 78% higher risks progression of kidney disease. Lack of physical activity was associated with a 62% increased risk for death and 17% increased risk of CKD progression compared with being highly active. 

Anemia in CKD patients can be a very serious concomitant condition and needs to be addressed through timely medical intervention. If you’re experiencing symptoms of anemia, or suspect you may be suffering from it, be sure to tell your physician so they can put you on a protocol to help manage it better. For more information on this and all Kidney Disease studies, be sure to follow HealthyKidneyInc. on Twitter.