Abstract: SA-PO233
Understanding Patient Perspectives of the Impact and Treatment of CKD Anemia: A Patient Survey in China
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
- Hao, Chuan-Ming, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Wittbrodt, Eric T., AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
- Palaka, Eirini, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Guzman, Nicolas Jose, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
- Dunn, Alicia, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
- Grandy, Susan, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
Background
Anemia is a common complication of CKD that may reduce patients’ (pts) quality of life (QoL) and/or require treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the QoL burden, knowledge, and management of CKD anemia in a sample of Chinese pts.
Methods
In August–September 2018, a quantitative, online survey was administered to 500 Chinese pt volunteers aged ≥18 years with self-reported CKD with or without anemia; pts with cancer were excluded. Pts were recruited via online communities, pt associations, online support groups, and direct pt referrals. This 27-question survey explored pt knowledge of anemia, its management, impact on QoL, information sources for the condition, and effects on the healthcare practitioner–pt relationship. Data collected from the survey were aggregated and anonymized to protect pt confidentiality.
Results
Overall, data were evaluable for 456 pts, 44% female, mean age 41.0 years, and 23% reported receiving a CKD diagnosis stages 3–5, the remaining 77% had CKD stage 1 or 2, or did not know the stage. Of the entire cohort, 32% of pts reported being told they had anemia, 73% did not know their hemoglobin (Hb) level or had not had a blood test in the previous year. Of pts told they had anemia (n=148), most reported feeling ill (86%), lack of energy (75%), nausea (72%), pain (69%), and sadness and/or depression (61%). For these pts, a negative impact of CKD anemia on QoL was perceived: 66% reported less energy, 54% reported more sadness/depression, 50% felt they were more ill, 37% worried more that their condition was worsening, and 29% reported less ability to work. Awareness of the link between CKD and anemia was common (87%), and 71% thought that their anemia was well or very well managed: 64% reported taking iron supplements; 69% had received dietary advice; 26% were given erythropoiesis-stimulating agents; and 31% had received blood transfusions.
Conclusion
Chinese pts perceived that CKD anemia had a negative impact on their QoL. Although pt knowledge of anemia was varied, perceptions of its management were generally positive. There are opportunities for improving pt education on the association between CKD and anemia, improving Hb testing and monitoring, and increasing use of treatments to avoid blood transfusions.
Funding
- Commercial Support – AstraZeneca