What to do?

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You may probably ask why so little has been done to treat and prevent renal failure in patients who are exposed to toxic chemicals. How come that most nephrologists consider the problem of minor importance?

There are several answers. Most important is probably that patients with glomerulonephritis and other kidney diseases are not questioned professionally. Many doctors are not familiar with the working conditions of their patients, and many patients are unaware of their exposure. Therefore the doctor get the impression that heavy, toxic exposure is unusual, in particular if mainly patients with normal renal function are questioned.

However, it is a striking fact that more than 50 per cent of patients with glomeruloinephritis and end-stage renal failure have had prolonged and heavy exposure to nephrotoxic chemicals, in particular to organic solvents, fuels and motor exhausts. But to detect such exposure it is necessary to co-operate with experts in occupational medicine, as has been the case in almost all the scientific studies that I have referred to in the preceeding sections. Many times I have seen that even heavy and prolonged exposure may remain undetected unless the patient is interviewed by someone who is familiar with the working conditions in the trade and industry.

Therefore, if you suffer from glomerulonephritis, diabetic kidney disease or a kidney disease of unknown origin, in particular if your kidney function is reduced and if you think you may be exposed to toxic chemicals: 

US: The Patient & Family Council of the National Kidney Foundation
                 American Association of Kidney Patients
                 National Organization for Renal Disease    
Canada:      The Kidney Foundation of Canada
Sweden:      Riksförbundet för njursjuka

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