Chronic Kidney Disease: Anaemia

Key points

• Reduced erythropoietin levels — the most significant contributing factor
• Reduced erythropoiesis due to toxic effects of uraemia on bone marrow
• Reduced absorption of iron
• Anorexia/nausea due to uraemia, reducing dietary intake
• Reduced red cell survival, especially in patients on haemodialysis
• Blood loss due to capillary fragility and poor platelet function
• Stress ulceration causing chronic occult blood loss