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Summary
This study found that elevated lead (Pb) body burden is common in patients with chronic renal failure, particularly those who develop gout. This suggests lead exposure may worsen kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Lead (Pb) exposure is a known health concern, and its impact on chronic renal failure (CRF) is not fully understood.
- Gout is a condition that can be associated with lead accumulation.
- Assessing lead body burden in patients with kidney disease is crucial for understanding potential contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure urinary lead excretion in healthy individuals and patients with chronic renal failure.
- To investigate the relationship between lead body burden, gout, and the progression of renal disease.
- To establish reference values for lead excretion using advanced analytical techniques.
Main Methods:
- Urinary lead (Pb) levels were measured in basal state and after EDTA infusion using Zeeman-compensated atomic absorption spectroscopy.
- Urine samples were pretreated with nitric acid and Triton X-100.
- Healthy German controls and patients with chronic renal failure (with and without gout) were included.
Main Results:
- Control basal and post-infusion lead excretion values were lower than previously reported.
- Elevated lead body burden was found in most CRF patients who developed gout during renal failure.
- A significant proportion of non-gouty CRF patients with occupational lead exposure showed elevated urinary lead excretion.
Conclusions:
- The development of gout in patients with renal failure strongly suggests prior lead exposure.
- Elevated lead body burden is prevalent in patients with chronic renal failure, irrespective of gout status.
- Lead exposure may adversely affect the course of chronic renal disease, warranting further investigation.