Anemia is either due to decreased red blood cells or decreased hemoglobin or both. For the production of RBC, the enzyme erythropoietin is needed. Erythropoietin is produced from kidneys, in kidney injury, this enzyme is decreased. In some types of kidney diseases, red blood cells and hemoglobin filtered and excreted in the urine causes anemia. Repeated blood tests, dialysis increases blood loss. Kidney disease decreases appetite.
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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Erythropoietin is a hormone produced mainly by the kidneys, it is related to the formation of red blood cells. Patients with chronic kidney disease have impaired renal function, less erythropoietin and consequently anemia in more advanced disease states.
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