Complicated metabolic changes in chronic renal insufficiency interfere with the formation and survival of erythrocytes at many levels. Anaemia which thus develops influiences in a significant way not only the quality of life but also the prognosis of nephrological patients. The confirmed relationship between cardiovascular morbidity and mortality must be the starting point for early diagnosis and treatment of this anaemia. Administration of recombinant human erythropoietin in the early stage of renal insufficiency can moreover probably retard its progression. European guidelines for the treatment of anaemia give clear instructions how to proceed in the treatment of anaemia. The results of current, so far not completed studies, may modify in future the demands on target haemoglobin values and may elucidate how normalization of the red haemogram can influence the survival of patients with impaired renal function.

        Key words: Anaemia - Chronic renal insufficiency - Etiology of renal anaemia - Cardiovascular complications - Progression of renal insufficiency - Therapeutic recommendations