The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between anemia associated
with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the ability for older nursing home (NH) residents
with these conditions to perform basic activities of daily living (ADL).
This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study utilizing data abstracted
from medical charts, laboratory records, and Minimum Data Set (MDS) records from the
1-year period before the date of data abstraction.
24 NHs in the United States.
Older (>or=65 years of age) NH residents with CKD (not receiving dialysis) who were
not comatose and were alive as of the day of data abstraction were included in this
analysis.
Resident demographics, hemoglobin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate records,
and ADL items were abstracted from the medical charts, laboratory records, and MDS.
The prevalence of CKD and anemia associated with CKD was evaluated from laboratory
records. The relationship between CKD, anemia, and ADLs was assessed through a repeated
resampling (bootstrap) analysis.
CKD was present in 45.7% of the residents. Of these, 60.5% had anemia. Residents with
CKD and anemia were more likely to require limited or extensive assistance in performing
ADLs such as bed mobility, transfer, walk in room, walk in corridor, locomotion on
unit, dressing, and toilet use. Conversely, a greater proportion of residents with
CKD but without anemia required no or slight supervision in performing these ADLs.
CKD and anemia associated with CKD are common in older NH residents. The data suggest
that older NH residents with CKD and anemia require greater assistance in performing
ADLs than residents with CKD alone. These data support the importance of evaluating
the older NH population for CKD and anemia. As with all retrospective analyses, study
limitations must be considered in the interpretation of these results.