Anemia due to renal failure: when the cause is a renal disease

Anemia due to renal failure is a type of anemia caused by kidney insufficiency.

Anemia is defined as a condition where there is a decreased number of healthy or normal red blood cells, a reduced concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, or a hematocrit value (normal ranges vary between 41% and 53% in men, and between 36% and 46% in women) that is lower than normal.

Red blood cells are the most abundant cells in the blood, and their primary function is to capture oxygen and transport it to various tissues throughout the body. This function is performed through hemoglobin, their main protein, which binds oxygen to iron atoms to enable its transport through the bloodstream. Consequently, anemia disrupts oxygen distribution to all body cells because the reduction in red blood cells results in this condition.

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are unable to adequately filter toxins and other waste substances from the blood. It can be acute or chronic.

The relationship between these two conditions lies in the fact that kidney failure inhibits the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells. Erythropoietin deficiency leads to a significant decrease in red blood cells, resulting in anemia due to renal failure. Additionally, anemia may also result from a deficiency in sensitivity to erythropoietin.

Common causes of aanemia due to renal failure include:

• Low production of red blood cells due to erythropoietin deficiency
• Bone loss caused by dysfunctional platelets or dialysis
• Resistance of bone marrow to erythropoietin
• Secondary hyperparathyroidism
• Uremia: Excess urea in the blood due to the kidneys’ inability to eliminate it

Symptoms of anemia due to renal failure are often mild, and many patients may not notice them. However, symptoms specific to anemia due to renal failure include:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Headache
• Pale skin
• Difficulty breathing

The risk factors for kidney failure are also risk factors for anemia due to renal failure. These include:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Kidney injuries
• Exposure to certain toxic substances
• Infections and kidney stones
• Problems with the arteries supplying the kidneys

Anemia due to renal failure can be diagnosed using the following tests:

• Complete blood count (CBC): provides information about hemoglobin levels and other important parameters for this type of anemia, such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), as well as other aspects of the blood
• Peripheral blood smear: involves examining blood cells under a microscope
• Reticulocyte count: measures the number of immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in the bone marrow

Other common tests include measurements of red blood cell iron, vitamin B12, and folate levels. Additionally, tests to assess kidney function, such as serum and urinary creatinine, serum urea, urinary albumin, and urinalysis, may be performed.

Treatments for kidney failure also help reverse the associated anemia due to renal failure. These treatments include:

• Controlling blood sugar levels if diabetes is present
• Maintaining a healthy blood pressure level
• Following a low-salt, low-fat diet
• Exercising for at least 30 minutes almost every day of the week
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding smoking or tobacco use

Preventing kidney failure also helps prevent the associated anemia due to renal failure. Preventative measures include:

• Following a low-sodium (salt) and low-fat diet
• Exercising for at least 30 minutes almost every day of the week
• Regular health checkups with a doctor
• Avoiding smoking or tobacco use
• Limiting alcohol consumption