Elevated serum aluminium and lead in renal haemodialysis patients

ABSTRACT

Serum aluminium [Al] and lead [Pb] have been measured in dialysis patients with advanced renal failure [characterised by hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia and hypocalcaemia] and in healthy subjects with normal kidney function for comparison. In those under dialysis, pre and post-dialysis levels of Al and Pb were evaluated. The results revealed increased serum Al [P dialysis patients compared with normal controls. Post-dialysis level of serum Al increased [P < 0.01] than Pre-dialysis concentration. While no significant difference was detected between the levels of serum Pb in dialysis patients which were within the accepted safe limit for Pb exposure [below 40 ug/dl] in all patients, no evidence of Al or Pb toxicity was demonestrated