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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Treatment For Anemia And Shortness Of Breath

My younger brother is suffering from anemia and shortness of breath in connection with kidney disease...EPO shots not working. Next step? 52-year old male on kidney transplant list for last two years. Fistula surgery done twice. Lungs and heart clear but severe water retention in abdomen and legs.
Fri, 24 Mar 2017
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Kidney diseases cause refractory anemia.
Since patient is in waiting list for kidney transplant, he is probably having end stage kidney disease.
He is also not responding to EPO (erythropoitin) Injection. So blood transfusion I can understand only option left for him.
He may need 1-2 PCV (packed cell volume) units every 10-15 days. This will take care of anemia.
His breathlessness is due to fluid retention.
And in end stage kidney diseases, dialysis is the only option to prevent fluid retention and relieve breathlessness.
So he may need regular hemodialysis 1-2 times per week for fluid retention.
Try for early renal transplant, till that time regular blood transfusion and hemodialysis will take care of anemia and breathlessness.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your younger brother. Thanks.
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Treatment For Anemia And Shortness Of Breath

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Kidney diseases cause refractory anemia. Since patient is in waiting list for kidney transplant, he is probably having end stage kidney disease. He is also not responding to EPO (erythropoitin) Injection. So blood transfusion I can understand only option left for him. He may need 1-2 PCV (packed cell volume) units every 10-15 days. This will take care of anemia. His breathlessness is due to fluid retention. And in end stage kidney diseases, dialysis is the only option to prevent fluid retention and relieve breathlessness. So he may need regular hemodialysis 1-2 times per week for fluid retention. Try for early renal transplant, till that time regular blood transfusion and hemodialysis will take care of anemia and breathlessness. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your younger brother. Thanks.