Evidence for aluminium accumulation in renal failure.

There is increasing evidence that aluminium accumulation in patients with impaired renal function has pathological consequences. The serum aluminium content of 45 patients with chronic renal failure was found to be significantly elevated when compared with normal subjects. A further rise in serum aluminium concentration was seen in patients with chronic renal failure when they were taking aluminium-containing phosphate binding agents. Patients with stable but moderately impaired renal function who are taking aluminium-containing phosphate binders for several years may be at risk from aluminium accumulation and the development of osteomalacia and encephalopathy as seen in patients on intermittent haemodialysis.