Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on renal function in man
R. S. Muther and W. M. Bennett
To ascertain the clinical significance of dimethyl sulfoxide-induced
pigmenturia, we evaluated renal function and indicators of systemic
hemolysis in stable quadriplegic patients receiving the drug intravenously
(IV) for spinal cord injury. Despite a dose-dependent transient hemolysis
with resultant hemoglobinuria, no alteration of renal function could be
appreciated. Other than the presence of urinary hemoglobin, there were no
changes from baseline in the urinary sediment and all patients remained
without severe hematuria. Our results indicate that patients treated with
IV dimethyl sulfoxide for severe cerebral edema could serve as donors for
renal transplantation.
