Prevalence of Functional Iron Deficiency Anemia in Hemodialysis Patients

Anemia is one of the main problems in hemodialysis patients which causes by inadequate production of Erythropoietin. Functional iron deficiency anemia is a kind of anemia which leads to resistance and inappropriate response to Erythropoietin in hemodialysis patients. Since early diagnosis of this anemia is important before Erythropoietin usage، this study was conducted to determine p revalence of functional iron deficiency in hemodialysis patients. In a cross – sectional descriptive study studied 184 CKD patients referred to hemodialysis units in Baqiatalla and Chamran hospitals in the Tehran city. In order to information collecting plus to completing the demographic questionnaire were measured Serum Hb، Hct and Ferritin levels. In order to data analyze making use of SPSS software and Chi square، t، Fisher and ANOVA tests. Anemia was observed in 37% of patients. The mean of serum levels of Hb was 10. 98±1. 66 g/dl and Hct was 34. 1±5. 16%. 41. 1% of patients suffers of functional iron deficiency and Hyperferritinemia exists in 80. 4% of them. Functional iron deficiency is seen in about half of hemodialysis patients and can cause resistance and inappropriate response to Erythropoetin in hemodialysis patients. Therefore before administration of erythropoietin recommended determining the status of iron stores until prevent of therapeutic heavy costs imposition.