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NICE has updated its guideline on Anaemia management in people with chronic kidney disease¹ following safety concerns highlighted by a series of randomised controlled trials including TREAT (Trial to Reduce cardiovascular Events with Aranesp Therapy).² In this issue, Dr Penny Ackland—a GP and member of the Guideline Development Group—discusses the trial data and updated recommendations, and the role of primary care in the management of anaemia in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Chronic kidney disease is a common condition with around 1 in 10 adults in the UK affected. Although important, anaemia management is only one aspect of care that people with CKD require. To help healthcare professionals, commissioners, and service providers, along with patients and the public, NICE has launched the Chronic kidney disease quality standard.³ The 15 quality statements that form the quality standard are based on the best available evidence and provide markers of excellence for those commissioning and using services, and delivering care. Alongside anaemia treatment, the areas covered by the standard include identification, specialist referral, cardiovascular risk, and dialysis.

NICE has now published quality standards in five clinical areas including dementia, which was featured in last month's issue of Guidelines in Practice (see: eguidelines.co.uk/link/12081).

Julia Morris, Editor
julia.morris@mgp.ltd.uk

References

1. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Anaemia management in people with chronic kidney disease. Clinical Guideline 114. London: NICE, 2011. Available at: www.nice.org.uk/CG114
2. Pfeffer M, Burdmann E, Chen C et al; TREAT Investigators. A trial of darbepoetin alfa in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. N Engl J Med 2009; 361 (21): 2019–2032.
3. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence website. Chronic kidney disease quality standard. Available at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qualitystandards/chronickidneydisease/ckdqualitystandard.jspG