The New England journal of medicine
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Aluminum frequently accumulates in patients with end-stage renal failure. We investigated the value of long-term, intermittent infusions of deferoxamine for the removal of aluminium from bone in seven patients undergoing long-term maintenance dialysis. Transient rises in serum aluminum levels occurred initially after treatment. ⋯ Thus, the test cannot be used to diagnose aluminum accumulation in bone. Urinary aluminum levels increased significantly after a single infusion of deferoxamine in three patients with kidney transplants and accumulation of aluminum in bone. These findings indicate that deferoxamine is beneficial for the therapy of aluminum accumulation in the bone of patients with renal failure.