Anemia is one of the most dangerous complications of kidney failure, affecting 90 percent of patients, said Dr. Faisal Shahin, Director General of the Saudi Center for Transplantation of Organs and a nephrology and internal medicine consultant. He said kidney failure strips the kidney of its ability to produce Vitamin D3 and the enzyme rennin which stimulates the bone morrow to produce red blood cells. Shahin said drugs have now replaced the need for patients to have blood transfusions to maintain the level of hemoglobin in their bodies. Transfusions increased the risk of getting hepatitis and HIV. Diabetes and hypertension are the main diseases which cause renal failure, in addition to hereditary factors. He urged such patients to take their medication on time to avoid any complications that might lead to renal failure. __
