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Brain-aluminium concentration in dialysis encephalopathy
Lancet (London, England)
|April 29, 1978
Summary
Dialysis encephalopathy is linked to high brain aluminum levels. Using untreated tap water during dialysis significantly increases aluminum accumulation, highlighting its neurotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Dialysis encephalopathy is a severe neurological disorder observed in patients with kidney failure.
- Elevated aluminum levels have been suspected as a contributing factor to its pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between brain aluminum concentrations and dialysis encephalopathy.
- To identify the sources of aluminum contributing to elevated brain levels in patients undergoing dialysis.
Main Methods:
- Measuring brain aluminum concentrations in patients with dialysis encephalopathy, dialyzed controls, and non-dialyzed uraemic patients.
- Comparing aluminum levels in grey and white matter.
- Correlating brain aluminum levels with water quality used for dialysis and phosphate binder intake.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher brain aluminum concentrations were found in patients with dialysis encephalopathy compared to controls.
- Grey matter showed higher aluminum accumulation than white matter.
- Tap water used for dialysis was identified as the primary source of increased brain aluminum.
Conclusions:
- High brain aluminum levels are strongly associated with dialysis encephalopathy.
- The use of untreated or softened tap water in dialysis is a major contributor to aluminum neurotoxicity.
- Aluminum accumulation in the brain can persist even after kidney transplantation.
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