[Kidney function in lead burden].

Renal failure as a consequence of manifest lead intoxication (nephropathia saturnina) has almost completely disappeared in the FRG. However, there has been rising concern that increased lead burden, primarily as a result of environmental pollution, may adversely affect blood pressure and renal function even in the absence of extrarenal signs of lead intoxication. Such concern is based on epidemiological studies which demonstrated a relation between blood lead level and blood pressure and on experimental studies which showed that lead activates several pressor mechanisms. Furthermore, increased body lead burden is found in a substantial proportion of patients with renal failure, particularly when concomitant gout is present. Unfortunately, none of the above findings constitute irrefutable evidence and further studies are clearly necessary.