title: Newer strategies for anemia prevention in hemodialysis.
abstract: Anemia prevention for hemodialysis relies primarily on supplemental erythropoietin (EPO) and intravenous iron (IV-iron). The doses of EPO utilized are somewhat higher than normal endogenous rates of EPO production in healthy subjects, and the amount of IV-iron used to boost red blood cell (RBC) production may be greater than the amounts used for erythropoiesis. EPO and IV-iron might be used more efficiently if two fundamental problems were solved in the management of dialysis patients: better vitamin C status, and avoidance of chronic inflammation. The low levels of plasma vitamin C commonly observed in dialysis patients restrict mobilization of stored iron from the reticuloendothelial system (RES), and inflammation has a very similar effect. The impact of low vitamin C levels and concurrent inflammation causes a large amount of iron to be stored, with relatively inefficient utilization for erythropoiesis. Vitamin C intake for dialysis patients is often restricted because of avoidance of vitamin C-rich foods, and because of concerns about oxalosis. Inflammation is a chronic feature of renal disease, which is compounded by infections from use of catheters. Research strategies to improve vitamin C status and to decrease inflammation would lead to better utilization of iron and EPO, and could have parallel benefits for the long-term health of patients on hemodialysis.
authors: Renal Research Institute, New York, New York, USA. Garry_Handelman@uml.edu
authors: G J
authors: GJ
authors: Handelman
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001206:Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / Q000150:complications*; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis
chemical_list: D001205:Ascorbic Acid