Desferrioxamine in the treatment of aluminum overload.

Aluminum removal is essential in treating patients with aluminum accumulation. Currently the most effective method is chelation of aluminum with desferrioxamine (DFO). DFO administration has been shown to improve dialysis encephalopathy and dialysis bone disease. The optimum dose of DFO and the mode of administration have yet to be determined. Commonly between 40 and 80 mg/kg is given parenterally once weekly. The very high serum aluminum concentrations which develop do not appear to be toxic. The administration of small doses of DFO with each dialysis may also be advocated. Monitoring of serum aluminum levels and of iron status is advisable during DFO treatment. DFO may also play a role in evaluating tissue aluminum accumulation.