[Effect on serum aluminium levels of continued ingestion of aluminium gels by patients with chronic renal insufficiency (author's transl)].

Atomic spectrometric absorption without flame allows reliable determination of serum aluminium levels (S.A.). Serum level in 59 normal subjects taking no aluminium gel (A.G.) is 24.3 +/- 8.4 microgram/l. Similar value were observed in 27 patients with renal insufficiency even severe who do not take A.G. Mild elevation of S.A. (40 +/- 12 microgram/l) was observed in 21 dialysed patients receiving no A.G. S.A. elevation is related to the aluminium content of dialysis fluid. A.G. intake in patients with renal insufficiency is followed by increase of S.A. The levels increase in relation with the daily dose of A.G. The highest values are observed among dialysed patients. In 41 dialysed cases A.S. values are between 70 and 600 microgram/l. In 17 patients dialysed for a mean period of 47 months mean serum A.S. is 165 +/- 40 microgram/l. The precise role of aluminium intoxication in the genesis of the dialysis encephalopathy syndrom remains controversial. From a clinical point of view aluminium intoxication should be looked for in any patient with encephalopathy who is taking aluminium gels and/or who is dialysed.