Role of heamodialysis in anemia chronic renal failure?
Hemodialysis plays a crucial role in managing anemia in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Anemia is a common complication in CRF due to several factors, including impaired erythropoiesis, reduced red blood cell production, and decreased lifespan of red blood cells. Hemodialysis helps to address anemia in CRF in the following ways:
1. Erythropoietin Production: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. In CRF, the kidneys' ability to produce erythropoietin is impaired, leading to insufficient red blood cell production. Hemodialysis helps remove uremic toxins and waste products from the blood, improving the overall kidney function and stimulating the production of erythropoietin.
2. Iron Mobilization: CRF can lead to impaired iron utilization, resulting in iron deficiency anemia. Hemodialysis helps to correct iron deficiency by mobilizing iron stores from the body's tissues and increasing their availability for red blood cell production. This is achieved by the administration of intravenous iron during hemodialysis sessions.
3. Folate and Vitamin B12 Supplementation: Folate and vitamin B12 are essential nutrients required for red blood cell production. Patients with CRF may have deficiencies in these nutrients, contributing to anemia. Hemodialysis provides an opportunity for folate and vitamin B12 supplementation, correcting these deficiencies and promoting red blood cell production.
4. Removal of Uremic Toxins: Uremic toxins accumulate in the blood in patients with CRF and can interfere with various cellular functions, including red blood cell production. Hemodialysis helps remove these toxins, creating a more favorable environment for erythropoiesis.
5. Reduction of Blood Loss: Hemodialysis access points, such as arteriovenous fistulas or grafts, may occasionally lead to bleeding episodes. However, with proper care and management, bleeding can be minimized, reducing iron loss and contributing to improved red blood cell production.
By addressing these factors and improving overall kidney function, hemodialysis plays a vital role in managing anemia in patients with CRF. Nevertheless, regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels, iron status, and other relevant parameters is necessary to optimize the treatment and maintain adequate red blood cell counts in these individuals.