Iron and clinical outcomes in dialysis and non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients

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Csaba P Kovesdy1

  • 1Division of Nephrology, Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salem, VA 24153, USA. csaba.kovesdy@va.gov

Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease
|February 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Iron management in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is shifting towards addressing iron deficiency. This review explores the link between iron levels and patient outcomes, especially in non-dialysis CKD.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Hematology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Abnormal iron homeostasis is central to anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • Historically, iron overload was common, but relative iron deficiency is now more prevalent in CKD patients.
  • Current iron management targets specific markers like transferrin saturation and serum ferritin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review iron homeostasis and long-term clinical outcomes in CKD from an epidemiologic viewpoint.
  • To define ideal therapeutic strategies for iron management in clinical practice.
  • To identify areas for future research, particularly in non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on epidemiologic data.
  • Analysis of studies examining iron markers and clinical outcomes.
  • Consideration of specific challenges in non-dialysis-dependent CKD.

Main Results:

  • The clinical benefit of achieving target iron store markers in CKD remains uncertain.
  • Iron deficiency is a significant concern in contemporary CKD populations.
  • Management of iron in non-dialysis CKD presents unique challenges.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to link iron marker targets to improved clinical outcomes in CKD.
  • Optimizing iron management strategies is crucial for patient care.
  • Specific attention to non-dialysis-dependent CKD is warranted for effective iron therapy.

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