Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Severity of Anaemia among Patients on Chronic Haemodialysis in Lagos, Nigeria

• Published in: Annals of Health Research (Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital) Vol. 9; no. 3; pp. 190 - 198
• Main Authors: Odeyemi, A, Ajibare, AO, Aderibigbe, AA, Amisu, MA, Adegboye, MO, Awobusuyi, JO, Adekoya, AO
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, OOUTH Sagamu 21-09-2023
• Subjects: anaemia; chronic kidney disease; end-stage renal disease; erythropoietin; haemodialysis
• ISSN: 2476-8642; 2536-6149
• DOI: 10.30442/ahr.0903-03-205

Background: Anaemia is a global public health problem with high mortality and morbidity. It is also a common consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). There is a paucity of data on the actual burden of anaemia among patients on chronic haemodialysis (CHD) in Lagos, Nigeria.  
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the severity of anaemia among Nigerian patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis.
Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance haemodialysis at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos. The data extracted from the clinical case files included the bio-demographic and clinical parameters, including the treatment modalities.
Results: A total of 92 patients comprising 69 (75%) males and 23 (25.0%) females with the overall mean age of 48.2±14.0 years were included. Hypertension was the commonest aetiology of CKD and the average duration of haemodialysis was 16.6 months. The commonest access route for haemodialysis was a central line while 96.7% and 81.5% received erythropoietin and intravenous iron sucrose respectively. Seventy-three (79.3%) patients have had intra-dialysis blood transfusions in the past. Mild, moderate, and severe anaemia were recorded in 17%, 67%, and 16% respectively. The use of erythropoietin, iron sucrose, and increased frequency of blood transfusions correlated with the severity of anaemia.
Conclusion: Anaemia is highly prevalent among patients with CKD on chronic haemodialysis. Increased frequency of blood transfusions, inadequate utilization of erythropoietin, and iron sucrose administration are predictors of anaemia severity.