Is Hemoglobin Level Of 6.8 Very Low While On Dialysis?

Posted on Wed, 13 Jan 2016

Question: my husband is on dialysis and his hemoglobin is 6.8. Is that low?

Answered by Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is definitely low.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question I can understand your concern.

His hemoglobin level is very low. His low hemoglobin is mostly due to chronic kidney disease. He should take treatment to improve the hemoglobin level. Target hemoglobin level is 12. Beyond that there is risk but his hemoglobin level is very low and he needs treatment.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any doubts then feel free to ask me. I will be happy to answer.
Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (30 minutes later)

What kind of treatment does he need?

Answered by Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Erythropoietin is used for treating anemia in dialysis patients

Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question I can understand your concern.

He has anemia and most likely it is due to chronic kidney disease. Anemia is due to low production of rbc from bone marrow due to low erythropoietin level.
Exogenous erythropoietin stimulate the rbc production and maintain the hemoglobin level. Epoetin or darbepoetin alfa can be used.
However peripheral smear examination, reticulocytes count and anemia profile is needed to search the exact cause first. Then he should take treatment accordingly.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any doubts then feel free to ask me. I will be happy to answer.
Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.

Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj