[Aluminum and magnesium burden of dialysis patients using antacids. A comparative study]

Aluminum toxicity is becoming more and more evident as a complication of maintenance dialysis treatment. The aluminum contamination of the dialysate bath solution no longer plays an important role. The main source of aluminum overloading turns out to be the ingestion of aluminum-containing antacids as phosphate binders in the impaired renal aluminum excretion. In 19 dialysis patients an antacid poor in aluminum (Magaldrate) was compared with one rich in aluminum (compound M 70). The serum concentrations of aluminum, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium were investigated over a period of 14 days. After M 70 the aluminum and magnesium levels were markedly more elevated than after Magaldrate. Calcium remained unchanged with both compounds. Phosphorus was diminished only by M 70. The results of this short term study on dialysis patients are also important for patients with normal renal function, in particular in cases of uncontrolled long term treatment with antacids rich in aluminum.