Chronic progressive nephropathy associated with

Hard, G.C., Whysner, J., English, J.C., Zang, E. Williams, GM. (1997) Relationship of hydro-quinone-associated rat renal tumors with spontaneous chronic progressive nephropathy. Toxicol. Pathol., 25, 132-143... 

The alimentary symptoms may be overshadowed by neuromuscular dysfunction, accompanied by signs of motor weakness that may progress to paralysis of the exterior muscles or the wrist (wrist drop), and less often, of the ankles (foot drop). Encephalopathy, the most serious result of lead poisoning, frequendy occurs in children as a result of pica, ie, ingestion of inorganic lead compounds in paint chips this rarely occurs in adults. Nephropathy has also been associated with chronic lead poisoning (147). The toxic effects of lead may be most pronounced on the developing fetus. Consequendy, women must be particulady cautious of lead exposure (148). The U.S. Center for Disease Control recommends a blood level of less than 10 p.m per 100 mL for children. 

Renal Effects. Exposure to lead that results in PbB ranging from approximately 60 to >100 pg/dL has been associated with nephropathy in some studies of lead-exposed workers (e.g., Chia et al. 1995a). The characteristics of early or acute lead-induced nephropathy in humans include nuclear inclusion bodies, mitochondrial changes, and cytomegaly of the proximal tubular epithelial cells dysfunction of the proximal tubules (Fanconi s syndrome) manifested as aminoaciduria, glucosuria, and phosphaturia with hypophosphatemia and increased sodium and decreased uric acid excretion. These effects appear to be reversible. Characteristics of chronic lead nephropathy include progressive interstitial fibrosis, dilation of tubules and atrophy or hyperplasia of the tubular epithelial cells, few or no nuclear inclusion bodies,... 

The association of cocaine abuse with progressive chronic renal failure has received increased attention in recent years [156-158]. Ward and co-workers have reported on the possibility of a progressive nephropathy with features of hypertension, azotemia... 

There is also clear evidence that the sequel of lead inducing a chronic nephropathy with hypertension can occur. At times, this hypertension may be sufficiently severe to be malignant and may precipitate an early demise [22]. In more chronic cases, the hypertension may be of moderate degree and not be sufficient to cause progressive deterioration of renal function [43]. However, when confronted with a patient with hypertension and mild renal damage, it can be difficult to determine which came first and particularly difficult to determine whether lead was a contributor to the renal damage that caused the hypertension. In such cases, the hypertensive mechanism would be the same as those associated with other varieties of chronic renal disease. By contrast, many patients with chronic lead nephropathy have demonstrated suppressed plasma renin concentrations indicative of a hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism [44]. 

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