Clinical and pathophysiological aspects of neurological complications in renal failure

Acta Neurol Belg. 1992;92(4):191-206.

Abstract

A review of the neurological complications presenting in uremia and an account of their presumed pathophysiology is given. With the introduction of different dialytic procedures during the last twenty years, the incidence and severity of neurological complications have declined. Nevertheless, some disturbances related to the uremic syndrome fail to respond to dialytic therapy and these therapeutic measures may even be responsible for the appearance of some new abnormalities. The clinical manifestations of uremic encephalopathy and polyneuropathy are presented. The review of the presumed pathophysiology of these syndromes illustrates the still existing controversies. Nevertheless, some promising new lines of research are reviewed. In addition, some complications of uremic treatment, including dialysis disequilibrium syndrome and dialysis encephalopathy are presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases, Metabolic / etiology*
  • Brain Diseases, Metabolic / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Renal Dialysis / adverse effects
  • Seizures / physiopathology
  • Uremia / physiopathology
  • Uremia / therapy