Charcoal-induced lipid reduction in uremia
Friedman, E.A.; Feinstein, E.I.; Beyer, M.M.; Galonsky, R.S.; Hirsch, S.R.
Kidney International. Supplement 1978(8): S170-S176
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-6577 PMID: 278886 Document Number: 134630
Charcoal, in divided oral doses totalling 35 g daily, was given to 6 patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance 0 to 45 ml/min). Significant reductions in serum cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in the 3 most hyperlipaemic patients. Maximum decreases in charcoal responders, compared with control values, were for cholesterol (43, 23.4 and 40.4%) and for triglycerides (76, 60.3 and 64.3%). None of the patients showed altered concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, uric acid or vitamin A. Because of its safety and the profundity of its hypolipaemic action, it is suggested that charcoal may be of use in the management of azotaemic diabetic and nephrotic hyperlipaemia.