Relationship of aluminum to neurocognitive dysfunction in chronic dialysis patients

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Arch. Intern. Med.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.148.10.2169· OSTI ID:6579142

Sprague, S M; Corwin, H L; Tanner, C M; Wilson, R S; Green, B J; Goetz, C G

Aluminum has been proposed as the causative agent in dialysis encephalopathy syndrome. We prospectively assessed whether other, less severe, neuropsychologic abnormalities were also associated with aluminum. A total of 16 patients receiving chronic dialytic therapy were studied. The deferoxamine infusion test (DIT) was used to assess total body aluminum burden. Neurologic function was evaluated by quantitative measures of asterixis, myoclonus, motor strength, and sensation. Cognitive function was assessed by measures of dementia, memory, language, and depression. There were four patients with a positive DIT (greater than 125 micrograms/L increment in serum aluminum) that was associated with an increase in the number of neurologic abnormalities observed, as well as an increase in severity of myoclonus, asterixis, and lower extremity weakness. Patients with a positive DIT also showed significant impairment in memory; however, no differences were noted on tests of dementia, depression, or language. There was no significant correlation between sex, age, presence of diabetes, mode of dialysis, years of chronic renal failure, years of dialysis or years of aluminum ingestion and any neurologic or neurobehavioral measurement, serum aluminum level, or DIT. These changes may represent early aluminum-associated neurologic dysfunction.

• Research Organization: Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6579142
• Journal Information: Arch. Intern. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Arch. Intern. Med.; (United States) Vol. 148:10; ISSN AIMDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550900 -- Pathology
560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALUMINIUM
AMINES
BODY BURDEN
CHELATING AGENTS
DEFEROXAMINE
DIALYSIS
DISEASES
ELEMENTS
EPIDEMIOLOGY
METALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PATIENTS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TOXICITY
UROGENITAL SYSTEM DISEASES