Red blood count and parameters signalizing the cause of its impairment were studied in a group of 24 patients after kidney transplantation. Emphasis was laid on markers of iron depletion and the significance of soluble transferrin receptors for its diagnostics. Iron depletion was the most frequent cause of anaemia in these patients. Increased concentration of soluble transferrin receptors was the most sensitive marker of decreased iron stores; it was increased in 50.0% of all patients. The percentage of pathological values of other markers was as follows: decreased ferritin 46.6%, decreased transferrin saturation 30.8%, increased transf errin 15.4%, decreased haemo- globin 15.4%, decreased serum iron 15.4%, decreased number of erythrocytes 11.5%, and microcytosis 7.7%. The specificity of these markers is also discussed. Macrocytosis was found in about one thir d of the patients; the mean cell volume correlated negatively with plasma vitamin B12 concentration (r = –0.413, p < 0.05)..

        Key words: anaemia, iron depletion, kidney transplantation, soluble transferrin receptors