Diagnosis and management of iron deficiency in chronic dialysis patients

Tests have become available that not only give an index of iron stores and availability but also provide an integrated assessment of the efficacy of its utilization. This has allowed the revision of previously accepted criteria of iron deficiency as well as the most appropriate strategies for iron administration. By optimizing the response to erythropoietin, target haemoglobin levels may be reached with smaller doses, resulting in substantial savings.