Treatment of renal anemia

Renal anemia, mainly caused by various renal diseases, is a result of renal excretory dysfunction, reduced clearance of creatinine, and azotemia, leading to a decrease in red blood cells. In addition to the signs and symptoms of renal insufficiency, it also has the manifestation of anemia. The treatment of renal anemia should firstly be directed at kidney disease or uremia, such as applying dialysis therapy. Secondly, supplementation of hematopoietic substances, such as folic acid and iron, should be given, usually to maintain serum ferritin levels above 50 μg/L. If hemoglobin is reduced, red blood cell transfusions can be given to maintain hemoglobin levels above 60 g/L. However, long-term transfusions carry the risk of increasing the iron load. The main drug used to treat renal anemia is the application of erythropoietin, which is started at a dose of 50-100 U/kg/week by intravenous drip or subcutaneous injection. If the specific volume of hematocrit reaches 32%, the dose should be changed to a maintenance dose. Along with the application of erythropoietin, attention should be paid to iron supplementation so that the serum ferritin level is greater than 50 μg/L or the transferrin saturation is maintained at 30% or higher.