The body may break down muscle stores to use as a source of protein. This causes wasting. The albumin is an index of nutrition, and starts to fall when the creatinine clearance falls below 25 cc per minute. Good nutrition and the prevention of acidosis are necessary, and it is now recommended that in some patients early dialysis will be necessary to prevent malnutrition. The anemia of kidney failure does not need to be treated False - Studies show that treating the anemia of kidney failure helps prevent heart disease, and improves the quality of life.
Anemia leads to an increased cardiac workload, and ultimately failure.
This may be reversible through treatment predialysis with erythropoietin , a hormone produced by the kidney which stimulates red cell production. Severely anemic patients require blood transfusions, and are at risk for hepatitis. Furthermore, it is easier to maintain the hematocrit and hemoglobin once an anemia has been treated. Patients who have hematocrits at the normal or low normal range have a much more satisfactory lifestyle .