Iron Therapy to Treat Anemia Caused by Chronic Kidney Disease

A decrease in the number of circulating blood cells (anemia) is a common problem in people who have chronic kidney disease. It is often caused by a decrease in the amount of a protein produced by the kidneys (erythropoietin).

Some people who receive man-made erythropoietin (rhEPO therapy) continue to have anemia because of low levels of iron in their blood. These people are usually given extra iron to help treat this problem. Intravenous (IV) iron may be needed if oral iron does not increase iron levels. IV iron can also be used to treat anemia that occurs during hemodialysis.

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