PLASMA VITAMIN-E LEVELS IN A CHRONICALLY HEMOLYZING GROUP OF DIALYSIS PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1986
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 25  (1) , 42-47
Abstract
Plasma vitamin E levels and the ascorbate cyanide test were assessed in 15 chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients (group A) exposed to persistently elevated chloramine levels in the dialysis water. The vitamin E levels in these patients, who had evidence of oxidant induced hemolytic anemia, were compared to 15 chronic HD patients exposed to low chloramine levels (group B) and 17 controls (group C). Vitamin E levels were found to be significantly lower in group A than in either groups B or C (p < 0.001). Within group A, levels were lower in those patients who had a positive ascorbate cyanide test (p < 0.05). Upon removal of chloramines from the dialysis water, vitamin E levels in group A were no longer significantly different from those found in groups B or C.