Studies on the anaemia of Asian patients with chronic renal failure undergoing regular haemodialysis

Studies of ferrokinetics, iron status and serum erythropoietin levels were undertaken in 28 Asian patients on RDT as they appeared to be more anaemic and to have a poorer response to treatment than their Western counterparts. The main aetiological factor seemed to be inadequate bone marrow function which tended to be worst in those who had been on dialysis the longest. In addition it is possible that there was also a relative lack of erythropoietin. Dietary factors and iron deficiency were not important. The possible roles of a progressive accumulation of a toxic factor, or of relative underdialysis in patients who were profoundly uraemic prior to the institution of regular haemodialysis, are discussed.