Anemia And Progression Of Chronic Kidney Disease

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis that results from renal tissue hypoxia is thought to be a key element of progressive chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Findings from epidemiological studies suggest that anemia in patients with CKD due to inadequate erythropoietin (EPO) secretion may contribute to progression. However, results of prospective controlled studies that evaluated the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on the course of CKD were inconsistent. Nevertheless, slowing CKD progression with rHuEPO (and correction of anemia) may be achieved with a better understanding of the processes involved in the damage caused by renal tissue hypoxia.