What is the primary cause of anemia in patients undergoing dialysis?

The primary cause of anemia in patients undergoing dialysis is low erythropoietin production. Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys are often unable to produce sufficient amounts of erythropoietin, leading to reduced red blood cell production and subsequently causing anemia.

Dialysis itself does not directly address the underlying issue of decreased erythropoietin levels, which is why many patients on dialysis often experience anemia as a common complication. Treatment typically involves the administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) or supplements to help boost red blood cell production.

Other factors can contribute to anemia in this patient population, such as iron deficiency or shortened red blood cell lifespan, but the central issue remains the insufficient production of erythropoietin due to kidney impairment.