Nephrotoxicity toxic: What to do?
You may probably ask why so
little has been done to treat and prevent renal failure in patients who are
exposed to toxic chemicals. How come that most nephrologists consider the
problem of minor importance?
There are several answers. Most important is probably that
patients with glomerulonephritis and other kidney
diseases are not questioned professionally. Many doctors are not familiar with
the working conditions of their patients, and many patients are unaware of
their exposure. Therefore the doctor get the impression that heavy, toxic
exposure is unusual, in particular if mainly patients with normal renal
function are questioned.
However, it is a striking fact that more than 50 per cent
of patients with glomeruloinephritis and end-stage
renal failure have had prolonged and heavy exposure to nephrotoxic
chemicals, in particular to organic solvents, fuels and motor exhausts. But to
detect such exposure it is necessary to co-operate with experts in occupational
medicine, as has been the case in almost all the scientific studies that I have
referred to in the preceeding sections. Many times I
have seen that even heavy and prolonged exposure may remain undetected unless
the patient is interviewed by someone who is familiar with the working
conditions in the trade and industry.
Therefore, if you suffer from glomerulonephritis,
diabetic kidney disease or a kidney disease of unknown origin, in particular if
your kidney function is reduced and if you think you may be exposed to toxic
chemicals:
Ask your doctor to read this website. Many nephrologists
are unfamiliar with the subject, or they have been told that the association
between toxic exposure and glomerulonephritis is
non-existing or of little importance.
Become a member of a patient association and inform the
board about this website. Here are some:
US: The Patient & Family Council of the National
Kidney Foundation
American Association of Kidney Patients
National Organization for Renal Disease
Sweden: Riksförbundet för njursjuka
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Next section: About the Author
Prof.
Born 1934 in
Graduated 1961 from the
1961-1967 various appointments at surgical, roentgenological, neurological, pediatric
and medical departments in
1968-79 various appointments at the Dept. of Nephrology,
and the Dept. of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden;1975-79
as an assistant professor at the Dept. of Nephrology.
1973 PhD at the
Since 1979 an independent researcher.