Dialysis myopathy. Report of 13 cases

Thirteen patients hemodialyzed for chronic renal insufficiency developed progressive paresis of the proximal musculature. Biopsies of the deltoid muscles of ten patients showed selective atrophy of type 2 fibers, the cause of which seems to be related to the osteomalacia present in those patients. Purification of the water for dialysis prior to the procedure prevents the muscle alteration: however, once the lesion is established only renal transplant will permit recovery of the muscle strength of the patient.