[Renal anemia - an important secondary disease in renal insufficiency]

Anemia is as a frequent complication in patients with chronic kidney disease, which gains in importance in the treatment of patients with renal disease. The main cause of renal anemia is the inadequately low production of endogenous erythropoietin. Often the patients develop an additional absolute or functional iron deficiency, which complicates the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Substitution of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) is the most effective therapy. The goal is a stable haemoglobin level >11 g/dl. An often additional existing iron deficiency should be balanced adequately according to the guidelines. With consequent and early treatment morbidity, mortality, and quality of life can be effectively improved.