Deferoxamine for aluminum toxicity in dialysis patients

Aluminum toxicity, prevalent among individuals with chronic renal failure, is associated with disabling osteomalacia, encephalopathy, and anemia. The control of aluminum intake has included standards to limit the amount of aluminum in the dialysis fluid in addition to the use of nonaluminum containing phosphate binders. Deferoxamine mesylate, a heavy metal chelating agent, is used to remove aluminum from the tissues of dialysis patients. Chelation therapy has resulted in improvements of clinical symptoms and bone histology. Ocular, auditory, and infectious adverse effects have occurred with the use of deferoxamine. Future studies are needed to determine the most effective method of removing the aluminum-deferoxamine complex.