Researchers found erythropoietin might be a possible avenue for relieving fatigue in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a chronic illness in which the patient’s kidneys no longer function or do so at a reduced rate. Kidneys filter the blood, removing all the wastes and toxins of the body from the blood.
That material is then combined with water and expelled in urine. Like many chronic illnesses, fatigue is a common symptom given the incredible toll the illness takes on the body.
Erythropoietin is a hormone normally made in the kidneys. It helps produce red blood cells (RBCs). Red blood cells take the oxygen from the lungs and distribute it to the rest of the body. It was found younger patients, without diabetes, received the most benefit from taking erythropoietin.
Data shows 40% of chronic kidney patients have anemia, which is linked to higher mortality and morbidity. Part of this, the lower amounts of hemoglobin, is shown to be one of the factors in chronic fatigue which can be improved.
Researchers looked at 15 randomized controlled trials and five observational studies for the systematic review. How much hemoglobin should be increased by varies from various medical communities, thus adding to the significance of this study.
Here, scientists found hemoglobin within 11.7 g/dL to 13.5 g/dL was associated with a clinically significant benefit for fatigue. This was compared with current recommended target ranges of 10 g/dL to 11.5 g/dL.
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