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Seasonal variations in serum aluminum concentrations
K P Nordal1, E Dahl, Y Thomassen
1Medical Department B, National Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Pharmacology & Toxicology
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Seasonal variations in serum aluminum (Al) were observed in patients with chronic renal failure, with levels peaking in autumn. Increased gastrointestinal absorption, potentially due to waterborne factors, may explain these findings in renal failure patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Elevated serum aluminum (Al) is a concern in patients with chronic renal failure.
- Understanding factors influencing aluminum levels is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate seasonal variations in serum aluminum levels.
- To explore potential causes for observed fluctuations in aluminum levels among renal failure patients.
Main Methods:
- Frequent serum aluminum measurements were conducted over 1984-1985.
- Patients with moderate chronic renal failure and healthy controls in Oslo were studied.
- Serum Al levels were compared between autumn peaks and other periods, and between users and non-users of Al-containing phosphate binders.
Main Results:
- Serum aluminum levels exhibited significant seasonal variations, peaking in autumn (more than fourfold increase).
- During peak periods, differences in serum Al between phosphate binder users and non-users were not observed.
- Serum Al levels were not correlated with parathyroid hormone (PTH) or calcitriol intake; urinary excretion and glomerular filtration rate remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal variations in serum aluminum levels suggest an environmental influence, possibly increased gastrointestinal absorption.
- A waterborne factor with chelating properties is hypothesized to contribute to the observed seasonal increase in aluminum absorption.
- These findings highlight the importance of environmental factors in managing aluminum levels in chronic renal failure.