Aluminium in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and post dilutional hemofiltration

Aluminium (Al) has been shown to be a constant contaminant of sterile apyrogenic solutions used in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or post dilutional hemofiltration (HF). The Al content of these solutions varied widely from 1 to 50 micrograms/l. The clinical significance of such an Al contamination was difficult to ascertain. However, the available information suggests little clinical toxicity from these low Al levels, except in those patients who ingest large amounts of aluminium hydroxide as a phosphate binder. In view of the well-known consequences of long-term Al exposure of dialysis patients, it is suggested that Al concentration in CAPD solutions and HF substitution fluids should not exceed 10 micrograms/l.