Anemia is an almost universal complication of patients in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is associated with more hospitalizations, increased mortality and worse quality of life. Although there are several causes, erythropoietin and iron deficiency are the most common. The inflammatory condition present in CKD interferes with the action of erythropoietin, intestinal iron absorption and iron mobilization from deposits, due to increased hepcidin concentrations. Partial but incomplete correction of anemia promotes better outcomes in patients with CKD.
Anemia; erythropoietin; iron deficiency; chronic kidney disease; dialysis
