Please download and print the PDF file below:

Deborah Bowe, RN, CNN

Deborah Bowe, RN, CNN, is Clinical Administrator, Kidney Institute of Wisconsin, LLC, Glendale, WI. She is a member of ANNA’s Wisconsin Chapter.

Debra Ammel, MS, RD, CD

Debra Ammel, MS, RD, CD, is Renal Dietitian, Kidney Institute of Wisconsin, LLC, Glendale, WI. Note: This article is supported by a financial grant from Watson Pharma

Intravenous (IV) iron therapy has been proven to be effective in managing anemia and improving iron parameters in hemodialysis patients. However, despite the benefits of IV iron therapy, anemia remains underrecognized and undertreated, with many hemodialysis patients not achieving target hemoglobin (Hgb) levels. Although the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative has increased the clinician’s focus on iron deficiency, there are still opportunities available to ensure that all patients are being managed correctly. One such opportunity is the establishment of a maintenance IV iron protocol as an integral part of anemia management. The development and implementation of an IV iron protocol can help stabilize Hgb levels, optimize recombinant human erythropoietin and iron dosing, and simplify the entire iron and anemia management process.