Abstract: SA-PO232
Understanding Patient Perspectives of the Impact, Awareness, and Treatment of CKD Anemia: A US Patient Survey
Session Information
- Anemia and Iron Metabolism: Clinical
November 09, 2019 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Anemia and Iron Metabolism
- 202 Anemia and Iron Metabolism: Clinical
Authors
- Palaka, Eirini, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Guzman, Nicolas Jose, Astrazeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
- Dunn, Alicia, Astrazeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
- Wittbrodt, Eric T., Astrazeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
- Grandy, Susan, Astrazeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
- Finkelstein, Fredric O., Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Background
Anemia is a common complication of CKD that may reduce patients’ (pts) quality of life (QoL) and/or require them to seek treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions of US CKD pts with anemia with respect to QoL, disease understanding, and management of their anemia.
Methods
In August–September 2018, a quantitative online survey was administered to 500 US pt volunteers aged ≥18 years with self-reported CKD with or without anemia; pts with cancer were excluded. Pts were recruited via open requests to online communities and support groups, pt associations, and pt referrals. This survey explored pt knowledge of anemia and its management, impact on symptoms, and QoL. Data were aggregated and anonymized to protect pt confidentiality.
Results
Respondents were 69% female, mean age 52.2 years, and 68% confirmed they had CKD stages 3–5, 24% had CKD stage 1 or 2; the remaining 8% did not know the stage. Of the entire cohort, 57% (n=255) of pts reported being told they had anemia by a healthcare professional (HCP). However, only 66% (n=168) of these 255 pts knew about the relationship between anemia and CKD. Of the entire cohort, only 38% (n=170) knew their hemoglobin levels, but most were aware of the key symptoms associated with anemia, identifying fatigue (89%) or weakness (70%). Pts with anemia reported lack of energy (82%), feeling sad and/or depressed (53%), noting pain (52%), difficulty sleeping (53%), and worrying about worsening anemia (63%). Most pts (67%) stated that their anemia was well managed mostly with iron supplements (55% of those treated) or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (30%), while 11% had received transfusions. Less than half felt confident that they knew the adverse effects of their treatment.
Conclusion
US pts with CKD perceived that anemia had a negative impact on their physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing; their knowledge and understanding of CKD anemia and its management varied. These findings emphasize the challenges HCPs and pts face concerning the need for further education on the association between CKD and anemia, symptoms associated with anemia, and the available treatment options for anemia.
Funding
- Commercial Support – AstraZeneca