ENCOURAGING SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF ERYTHROPOIETIN BY CREATING INFORMATION BROCHURE FOR PREDIALYSIS CKD PATIENTS

Abstract

ENCOURAGING SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF ERYTHROPOIETIN BY CREATING INFORMATION BROCHURE FOR PREDIALYSIS CKD PATIENTS A. Karanfilovikj, L. Trajcheska, S. Sulejman, A. Canevska Taneska, M. Milenkova Bogojevska, A. Spasovska Vasilova, Z. Shterjova Markovska, J. Usprcov, V. Karanfilovski, A. Stojanoska Severova, Z. Janevski, A. Memeti, S. Filipovski, B. Bedzeti, I. Rambabova Bushljetikj University Department for Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University Ss Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, N. Macedonia PP Introduction. Patients with chronic kidney disease have a relatively deficient erythropoietin production, and this is one of the most significant causes of anemia in this group. The disorder starts to develop when the glomerular filtration rate drops below 60 mg/ml. In it’s severe form, anemia decreases quality of life and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality in this patients, so the implementation of prevention and control measures is recommended. Methods. In our institution, 54 predialysis CKD patients, with average age 69,44±15, have been regularly followed and treated for anemia with subcutaneous administration of ESA, mostly on weekly basis. Considering the numerous comorbidities of this group of patients, in order to reduce frequent outpatient visits and improving the quality of life, 30 (60%) patients accepted to be educated on self-administration of EPO. Results. We created an information brochure for patients, as an educational training material, with basic information about the medication, how to administer, side effects, contraindications and information about safe storage and disposal. Conclusion. The benefits of education through the information brochure for self-application of EPO among the group of predialysis CKD patients are improved cardiovascular function and a more compliant patient enjoying an improved quality of life.