Nitrate induced anaemia in home dialysis patients.
Many home dialysis patients in Florence and the surrounding area suddenly showed an unusual anaemia. All used a softener for water treatment. They demonstrated methaemoglobinaemia, Heinz bodies and reduction in plasma haptoglobin indicating Hb oxidation. Tap water analysis showed excessive nitrates. The substitution of the softeners with deionisers solved this important and unusual clinical problem.
D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology*; D006437:Hemodialysis, Home / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009566:Nitrates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects; D014880:Water Softening / Q000379:methods
D009566:Nitrates; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical