Beneficial effects of iron therapy in renal failure patients on hemodialysis

Iron deficiency is a common problem in patients treated with hemodialysis. If not detected and treated appropriately, the effectiveness of recombinant human erythropoietin therapy is compromised. Much has been learned in recent years with respect to iron therapy for hemodialysis patients. A series of studies have clearly defined the efficacy of intravenous iron compounds, and recently released clinical practice guidelines have set the appropriate clinical context for the use of these agents. The purpose of this article is to examine the beneficial effects of iron replacement therapy for hemodialysis patients.