X-ray microanalysis of the fingernails of uremic patients treated by hemodialysis
Zevin, D.; Weinstein, T.; Levi, J.; Djaldetti, M.
Clinical Nephrology 36(6): 302-304
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-0430 PMID: 1769143 Document Number: 368114
The element content of the fingernails of 16 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) treated by hemodialysis was examined by dispersive microanalysis. In comparison with matched controls, the results showed a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of Cu, Fe and Zn and an increase in S. The Al content did not differ significantly from that of the controls. There was no correlation between the serum values of Al, Fe and Zn and their content in the fingernails of the patients. On the other hand, Cu was found to be low both in the sera and in the fingernails of the CRF patients.