Abstract:
Summary.
Anaemia is a consistent finding in chronic renal disease, affecting up to 90% of patients, and the
central role of anaemia in the development of cardiovascular dysfunction is now well established.
Although iron deficiency is probably the most important factor affecting response to recombinant
erytropoietin (Epo, epoetin), other factors are of significance, including dialysis adequacy.
Additionally, water treatment and distribution, sterilizants and the quality of the dialysate in terms of
trace elements (particularly chloramine) are of importance in relation to erythropoiesis inhibition.
