ASSESSMENT OF ERYTHROPOIETIN FOR TREATMENT OF ANEMIC PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE HEAMODIALYSIS: A REVIEW

Background: Anaemia is a common complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and is associated with a reduced quality of life, and an increased morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms involved in anaemia associated to CKD are diverse and complex. They include a decrease in endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) production, absolute and/or functional iron deficiency, and inflammation with increased hepcidin levels. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to review the current knowledge of the efficacy of erythropoietin in the treatment of anaemic patients with CKD undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. Results: In this study, the pathophysiology of CKD-related anaemia, role of EPO and oxygen sensing, molecular functioning of HIF, regulation of HIF activity, EPO production in CKD, iron metabolism and treatment of patients with anaemic CKD were discussed extensively. Patients are most commonly managed with oral or intravenous iron supplements and with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA). However, these treatments have associated risks, and sometimes are insufficiently effective. Nonetheless, in the last few years, there have been some remarkable advances in the treatment of CKD-related anaemia, which have raised great expectations. Conclusion: The findings of the study would be highly beneficial in the field of renal treatment, transplantation and research applying the efficacy of endogenous erythropoietin in the treatment of anaemic patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance haemodialysis.