Aluminum accumulation in the skin in end-stage renal failure

Accumulation of aluminum (Al) of the skin of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients was analysed by means of an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (Kevex 7000 series). The Al detecting ratio was higher in the hemodialysis (HD) groups than in the non-dialysis ESRF group (p less than 0.025) and the normal volunteer group (p less than 0.01). There were no significant differences between the duration of HD (group I and group II), and between the non-dialysis ESRF and the normal volunteer groups. High Al accumulation detected in the skin of the HD groups may be attributed to the dosing of aluminum hydroxide gel (Al-gel), judging from the fact that all cases in the HD groups had been dosed with Al-gel (0.75-4.5 g/day). High Al detections were observed in 2 cases each of the HD and nondialysis ESRF groups responding HBs-antigen positive.