Chronic renal failure from lead: Myth or evidence-based fact?

Evans, M; Elinder, CG

HERO ID

786099

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2011

Language

English

PMID

20944550

HERO ID 786099
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2011
Title Chronic renal failure from lead: Myth or evidence-based fact?
Authors Evans, M; Elinder, CG
Journal Kidney International
Volume 79
Issue 3
Page Numbers 272-279
Abstract In this mini review, we would like to challenge the well-established 'fact' that lead exposure causes chronic renal failure (CRF). Even though only scarce evidence exists of the relationship between lead and renal failure, a World Health Organization Environmental Health Criteria document summarizes that 'Lead has been a very common cause of acute or chronic renal failure'. It is also written and cited in textbooks and numerous publications that chronic lead nephropathy causes a slowly progressive interstitial nephritis manifested by a reduced glomerular filtration rate, and that there is a growing consensus that lead contributes to hypertension in the general population. We will argue that, when published reports are carefully scrutinized, such statements on lead and CRF are not evidence based but are rather founded on a few narrative reports on lead-exposed individuals and statistical associations between lead and serum creatinine (or urea) in a few population studies. We will, however, not argue that lead is not toxic and that lead does not cause other types of severe health effects where the evidence is unquestionable, but we do not believe that the kidneys are an early victim after lead exposure.
Doi 10.1038/ki.2010.394
Pmid 20944550
Wosid WOS:000286177200004
Url <Go to ISI>://BCI:BCI201100101086
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No
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