| Theme |
Importance of Preservative Management in Chronic Renal Failure -- for a Better Dialysis |
| Title |
Trace elements and vitamins in patients with chronic renal failure not receiving dialysis therapy |
| Author |
Takayasu Ohtake |
Department of Nephrology, and Kidney and Dialysis Center, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital |
| Author |
Shuzo Kobayashi |
Department of Nephrology, and Kidney and Dialysis Center, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Trace elements and vitamins play various important roles in normal individuals. We should recognize the fact that renal failure may be accompanied by two diametrically opposing abnormalities, i.e., an "accumulation" or a "deficiency" of these substances, as far as the pharmacological dynamics are concerned in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In particular, zinc and/or pyridoxine deficiency in CKD patients are clinically important because they may occasionally present symptoms similar to those of uremia, and may even confuse nephrologists whether as to symptoms are due to uremia, or zinc or pyridoxine deficiency.
Additionally, there is an increasing number of patients who have been ingesting various health supplements besides the prescribed drugs. Renal dysfunction has a great influence on the status of trace elements and vitamins in terms of pharmacological effects. Therefore, there is a risk of unexpected accumulations of trace elements and/or vitamins from these supplements in CKD patients. In the future, nephrologists should pay more attention to the use of supplement intake in CKD patients. |