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Having a low count of red blood cells (RBCs) in your blood is called anemia. RBCs are the primary cells that carry oxygen to the different tissues and organs of the body. Without oxygen, cells cannot use the energy from food. Because of this, someone with anemia may tire easily and look pale. Having a low RBC count may also contribute to heart problems.

Anemia is commonly experienced by people with kidney disease. Normally, healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, or EPO. This hormone stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. People with damaged kidneys, however, do not make enough EPO. This results in less production of red blood cells.

Anemia may begin to develop during the early stages of kidney disease. It tends to worsen as the disease progresses. Nearly all people with kidneys that totally stop working have anemia. Complete failure of the kidneys is sometimes known as end-stage renal disease.

Treatment of anemia in people with kidney disease may include injection with a man-made EPO.



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