Kidney international. Supplement
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The anemia of renal failure is caused by the lack of sufficient quantities of endogenous erythropoietin. With the availability of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), however, it has become apparent that to achieve a given target, hematocrit requires proper management of iron replacement, as well as the administration of rHuEPO. ⋯ Blood loss is less of a problem in patients on peritoneal dialysis, but poor iron intake and increased demand for iron are also seen, the latter in patients receiving rHuEPO. It is essential, therefore, for renal health professionals to understand iron metabolism in dialysis patients in order to properly balance the therapy of renal anemia with rHuEPO and supplemental iron.