Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What is the primary cause of anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)?

1. Iron Deficiency

2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency

3. Erythropoietin Deficiency

4. Folic Acid Deficiency

The correct answer is: Erythropoietin Deficiency

The primary cause of anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is erythropoietin deficiency. In patients with ESRD, the kidneys are unable to produce adequate amounts of erythropoietin, which is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. As kidney function declines, the production of this crucial hormone diminishes, leading to reduced red blood cell production and consequently anemia. While other factors may contribute to anemia in ESRD, such as iron deficiencies or deficiencies in certain vitamins, erythropoietin deficiency is central to the mechanism of anemia in this condition. Addressing erythropoietin levels is a key component in the management of anemia in ESRD patients, often leading to the use of synthetic erythropoietin-stimulating agents to help restore adequate red blood cell production.