Why is anemia common in chronic kidney disease, and which hormone is deficient?

Prepare thoroughly for the Genitourinary System Disorders Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Enhance your readiness for the examination!

Multiple Choice

Why is anemia common in chronic kidney disease, and which hormone is deficient?

Explanation:
In chronic kidney disease, anemia is mainly caused by a loss of erythropoietin production from diseased kidneys. Erythropoietin is the hormone that tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells; when the kidney's functional tissue declines, the cells that produce this hormone are reduced, so RBC production drops and anemia develops. Iron-related issues and inflammation can worsen anemia (through iron sequestration and reduced iron availability), but the primary driver is the insufficient erythropoietin.

In chronic kidney disease, anemia is mainly caused by a loss of erythropoietin production from diseased kidneys. Erythropoietin is the hormone that tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells; when the kidney's functional tissue declines, the cells that produce this hormone are reduced, so RBC production drops and anemia develops. Iron-related issues and inflammation can worsen anemia (through iron sequestration and reduced iron availability), but the primary driver is the insufficient erythropoietin.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy