Abstract
Anaemia is a common comorbidity accompanying chronic kidney disease. It is seen in as many as three-quarters of patients with kidney failure.
It is one of the factors contributing to increased cardiovascular and overall mortality in these patients. The main cause of anaemia in kidney disease is reduced production of erythropoietin by the failing kidneys.
Other factors, such as iron deficiency with impaired iron utilization, malnutrition and inflammation, also play a role. Currently, it is recommended that the concentration of haemoglobin in patients with chronic kidney disease be higher than 110 g/l.
In addition to iron replacement, several erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may be used to achieve the desired levels (four original agents containing epoetin alfa, epoetin beta, darbepoetin alfa, methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta as well as some biosimilars are available). The treatment for anaemia is essential in reducing the mortality and improving the quality of life of these patients.