Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual and usually permanent loss of kidney function over time. This happens gradually over time, usually months to years. Anemia develops when the kidneys fail to produce enough erythropoietin, EPO, the hormone that directs the bones to make red blood cells.

1. CKD and Anaemia
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual and
usually permanent loss of kidney function over
time. This happens gradually over time, usually
months to years.

2. CKD and Anaemia
CKD is divided into 5 stages of increasing
severity.
Stage 5 chronic kidney failure is also referred to
as end-stage renal disease.
In Stage 5 there is total or near-total loss of
kidney function and patients need dialysis or
transplantation to stay alive.
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3. CKD and Anaemia
CKD may be the result of physical injury or a
disease that damages the kidneys, such as
diabetes or high blood pressure.
When the kidneys are damaged, they do not
remove wastes and extra water from the blood
as well as they should.

4. CKD and Anaemia
Anemia develops when the kidneys fail to
produce enough erythropoietin, EPO, the
hormone that directs the bones to make red
blood cells.
Anemia tends to worsen as CKD progresses and
can itself cause heart problems.

5. CKD and Anaemia
CKD patients become anaemic primarily due to
impaired absorption of iron, blood loss into the
gastro-intestinal tract, and inadequate
production of erythropoietin from the kidneys.
The management of patients not undergoing
dialysis involves stepwise treatment with oral
iron, intravenous iron, and erythropoietin
stimulating agents (ESA’s).

6. CKD and Anaemia
Anemia develops during the early stages of CKD
and is common in patients with End Stage Renal
Disease.
Anemia is an important cause of left ventricular
hypertrophy and congestive heart failure.
CKD and Anaemia
Non-heme oral iron is of limited efficacy,
poorly tolerated and often results in poor
compliance.
Intravenous iron is very effective but requires
a hospital clinic visit. Intravenous iron is not
without its risks. It is known to induce
oxidative stress but is widely prescribed.

7. Solution
The absorption of heme iron is several times
higher and the side-effects rate significantly
lower than for non-heme oral iron.
Heme iron is absorbed through a separate pathway and does not
have to be discontinued when intravenous treatment is started.
This can allow for longer intervals between resource-heavy,
inconvenient and painful injections. Oxidative stress is also
avoided.
Heme iron does not need to be discontinued during injection or
EPO therapy like non-heme oral iron.

8. OptiFer®
The OptiFer® series of iron food supplements
are safe, efficient and very well tolerated, which
is crucial for therapy success.
They can be used over longer periods with no
change in efficacy or tolerance.