Historically, anemia of CKD has been considered to be largely a deficiency of erythropoietin (EPO) and iron. But as researchers and clinicians learn more about this condition, our understanding of its complex pathophysiology is evolving.

Multiple factors contribute to anemia of CKD, including increased inflammation, which increases hepcidin (a key regulator hormone of iron metabolism) levels, impaired oxygen sensing in the kidney and other factors including decreased red blood cell survival and blood loss.¹

For more information on anemia of CKD and the new science including the HIF pathway, please visit our website. 

HIF=hypoxia-inducible factor.

Data on US adults aged 18 years or older from NHANES 2007-2010 were used to determine prevalence of anemia in patients with CKD. Anemia was defined as Hb levels ≤12 gldl in women and ≤13 gldl in men. Prevalence values were converted to projections of the US population based on the 2000 US census. The prevalence of anemia was 15.4% in people with CKD. Prevalence of anemia increased with stage of CKD, from 8.4% at stage 1 to 53.4% at stage 5.

References: 1. Locatelli F, Fishbane S, Block GA, Macdougall IC. Targeting hypoxia-­inducible factors for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients. Am J Nephrol. 2017;45(3):187-199.