Bone disease in patients on maintenance haemodialysis using softened or de-ionized water
Hudson, G.A.; Milne, F.J.; Oliver, N.J.; Reis, P.; Murray, J.; Meyers, A.M.
South African Medical Journal 56(11): 439-443
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 550366 Document Number: 150309
In 28 patients on maintenance haemodialysis, symptomatic osteomalacia or osteopenia was more frequent in dialysis units using softened water, which has a higher content of aluminium, than in those from units using deionized water. Patients in softened-water units also had significantly higher concentrations of calcium and phosphorus. It is suggested that in Johannesburg, South Africa, water softening alone was inadequate and that the higher Al concentration in the water may accelerate osteomalacia or osteopenia.