Optimizing renal anaemia management--benefits of early referral and treatment.

Despite clinical practice guidelines for the management of anaemia of chronic kidney disease and a growing literature concerning the treatment of renal anaemia in diverse patient groups, there remain uncertainties over definitions and descriptions for optimal management of renal anaemia. The patients most likely to derive the greatest long-term benefit from correction of anaemia are those with chronic kidney disease who are pre-dialysis. Early intervention to correct anaemia has the potential to impact on the progression of chronic kidney disease and affect patient morbidity, hospitalization rates, quality of life and mortality. This review considers current guidance on anaemia management, the evidence behind the guidance and the data shortfalls in an attempt to provide a topical overview of current understanding and future directions for optimal management of renal anaemia, particularly in high-risk groups.