Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is the most common reason for EPO not working. Iron forms an important part of the chemical structure of hemoglobin. EPO treatment causes the body's iron stores to be used up more quickly than usual.

There are three common iron blood tests: ferritin, TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) and transferrin saturation (TSAT). Ferritin is a protein that binds to iron. The ferritin level should be at least 200 mg/L (milligrams per liter) of blood. TIBC is an indirect measure of transferrin, a protein that transports iron through the blood. The TSAT measures the amount of iron on the transferrin protein. The TSAT level should be greater that 20%.

Iron deficiency can sometimes be treated with iron tablets such as ferrous sulphate.

You may need regular iron injections. Your doctor or renal nurse administers these at the Dialysis center.