Anemia profile in Bangladeshi CKD patients: A cross-sectional study

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health concern worldwide, including Bangladesh. Anemia is a frequent and serious complication of CKD, worsening as the disease progresses. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of anemia according to CKD stage.
Objective: To determine the anemia profile in CKD patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 66 CKD patients (stage 1 or above, aged ≥18 years) from the Nephrology unit of Chittagong Medical College Hospital (January 2014-June 2014). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the MDRD equation, and kidney damage was assessed by abdominal ultrasound. Complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, iron status, vitamin B12, and serum folate levels were measured.
Results: Almost all CKD patients (97%) were anemic. Anemia severity increased with advanced CKD stages. Normocytic normochromic anemia, likely caused by erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency, was the most common type. Iron deficiency (absolute or functional) was present in a significant portion of patients (33.33%). Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency rarely contributed to anemia in this study
Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence and severity of anemia in advanced CKD patients at our hospital. Iron deficiency and functional iron deficiency are common, while vitamin B12 and folate deficiency play a minor role. Further research with larger, diverse populations is needed to better understand the complex interplay of factors contributing to anemia in CKD patients in our region.