Content of Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Is a Reliable Tool for Determining Iron Deficiency in Dialysis Patients

Jun 30, 2026

Evaluation of iron status in dialysis patients supports appropriate planning of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapy. Content of reticulocyte hemoglobin (CHr) was assessed for diagnostic accuracy in hemodialysis patients by comparing it with conventional markers such as serum ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), and soluble transferrin receptor. In 149 hemodialysis patients and 53 healthy controls, CHr correlated with iron parameters and remained a significant multivariate predictor of iron deficiency. Iron supplementation increased hematocrit and reduced weekly rHuEPO dose, indicating CHr as a sensitive and specific indicator of iron sufficiency.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

Abstract

Background and Introduction

Renal anemia and rHuEPO therapy

Functional iron deficiency

Methods and Participants

Iron Deficiency Definition and Measurements

Results

Correlation and predictors

Effects of iron supplementation

Conclusions

FAQs

What is the main purpose of measuring content of reticulocyte hemoglobin (CHr) in dialysis patients?

CHr measurement is used to evaluate iron status so that rHuEPO dosing and iron supplementation can be planned appropriately in hemodialysis patients.

How was iron deficiency defined in the study?

Iron deficiency was defined as TSAT less than 20% and serum ferritin less than 100 ng/ml.

What did CHr do after iron supplementation in patients with low CHr and hematocrit?

Iron supplementation significantly increased hematocrit and led to a decrease in the weekly dosage of rHuEPO.

Jun 30, 2026

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