Complete Correction of Anemia of Renal Failure Is Not Advised

Anemia is a major complication of renal failure, but it usually is correctable by administration of erythropoietin (EPO). However, if hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations rise too rapidly (>1 g/dL per 2 weeks), patients can develop severe hypertension and experience adverse cardiovascular events. Current National Kidney Foundation guidelines recommend caution if Hb levels exceed 13 g/dL, but some patients complain of fatigue and lack of energy at lower Hb levels. In two new industry-sponsored, open-label, multicenter trials, researchers report that raising Hb further, to 13–15 g/dL (normal adult values), does not provide additional benefit as measured by quality of life or the rate of adverse cardiovascular events.

In an international study, inves…