Anaemia is a commonly diagnosed complication among people suffering with chronic kidney disease. If left untreated, it may affect quality of life. There are several causes for anaemia in this population. As the kidney function deteriorates, together with medications and dietary restrictions, people with chronic kidney disease may develop iron deficiency, resulting in reduction of iron supply to the bone marrow (which is the body organ responsible for the production of different blood elements). People with chronic kidney disease may not be able to use their own body’s iron stores well and hence, many people, particularly those receiving haemodialysis, may need additional iron treatment, usually provided by injection.
With further weakening of kidney function, people with chronic kidney disease may need additional treatment with a substance called erythropoietin which drives the bone marrow to produce its own blood. This substance, which is naturally produced by the kidneys, becomes relatively deficient in people with chronic kidney disease. These people will eventually need treatment with erythropoietin or similar products that are given by injection.
Over the last few years, several iron and erythropoietin products (synthetic products and those stimulating the body’s own erythropoietin) have been licensed for treating anaemia in people with chronic kidney disease. In addition, several publications discussed the benefits of each treatment and possible risks associated with long term treatment. The current guidelines provide advice to health care professionals on how to screen people with chronic kidney disease for anaemia, which people to investigate for other causes of anaemia, when and how to treat people with different medications, how to ensure safe prescribing and monitoring of treatment and how to diagnose and manage complications associated with anaemia and the drugs used for its treatment.