Epoetin alfa: focus on inflammation and infection. Case study of the anemic patient

Infectious and inflammatory disorders cause a disturbance in iron metabolism that leads to a sequestration of iron in the reticuloendothelial (R-E) system and a sometimes sharp and sudden decline in red blood cell indices. Underlying inflammatory conditions can decrease responsiveness to Epoetin alfa in dialysis patients and complicate anemia management. Understanding the possible infectious and inflammatory etiologies that can affect enemia management is essential to enhancing the nursing care of dialysis patients. Nurses caring for patients receiving Epoetin alfa must be aware of the possible effects of these conditions and know how to assess, detect, intervene, and evaluate factors that detract from an optimal erythropoietic response.