Professional Faqs: Why Do Kidney Disease Patients Have Anemia?
Anemia image
Expert opinion from Saria Mahveen Shareef
MBBS, PGDCC, Spl Cardiology · 6 years of experience · India
Anemia is commonly seen with the severity of kidney disease and contributes to many of the non-specific symptoms. It is due to reduced renal erythropoietin production. Diminished erythropoiesis is due to the toxic effects of uraemia on marrow precursor cells. There is reduced red cell survival in the majority of patients with chronic kidney disease. Due to capillary fragility and poor platelet function in kidney disease patients, there is increased blood loss. Reduced dietary intake and absorption and utilization of iron lead to anemia.
Expert opinion from Alex T. Thomas
MD · 40 years of experience · USA
Kidney disease result in less production of hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) which is required to make healthy red blood cells. Low EPO results in low RBCs and less oxygen supply to the organs and tissues. Also, the red blood cells produced will not stay for longer time in the blood stream. The other factors include blood loss, infection, inflammation and malnutrition.
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Expert opinion from Ipsa Arora
MD (Internal Medicine) · 5 years of experience · USA
When there is a kidney disease, kidneys cannot make erythropoietin. Low erythropoietin levels cause low hemoglobin formation which leads to anemia.
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