Diagnosis and management of iron deficiency in chronic dialysis patients

Tests have become available that not only give an index of iron stores and availability but also provide an integrated assessment of the efficacy of i ts utilization. This has allowed the revision of previously accepted criter ia of iron deficiency as well as the most appropriate strategies for iron a dministration. By optimizing the response to erythropoietin, target haemogl obin levels may be reached with smaller doses, resulting in substantial sav ings. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 9:669-674. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.