Der ausgleich der anämie mit erythropoetin und intravenös appliziertem eisen verhindert bei schwerer therapieresistenter herzinsuffizienz die progression sowohl der herzinsuffizienz als auch der niereninsuffizienz und vermindert deutlich die zahl der krankenhauseinweisungen

Both congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic renal failure (CRF) are increasing steadily in the community. We propose that there is a vicious circle established whereby CHF and CRF both cause anemia and the anemia then worsens both the CHF and CRF causing more anemia and so on. We call this the cardio renal anemia (CRA) syndrome. By the combination of active treatment of the CHF and control of the anemia with subcutaneous erythropoietin and intravenous iron, the progression of both the CHF and the CRF can be slowed or stopped in most cases, cardiac function and functional cardiac status can often be improved, the need for recurrent hospitalization and high-dose diuretics markedly reduced and the quality of life greatly improved. This will involve cooperation between cardiologists and nephrologists to allow early detection and maximal therapy of both the CHF and the anemia.