Vanadium and Chromium Levels High in Kids with Kidney Disease

observational-study PMID: 28592575

Quick Summary: A study found that children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have higher levels of vanadium and chromium in their blood. This might be because their kidneys aren't filtering these elements properly.

What The Research Found

Researchers looked at the blood of kids with CKD and found they had more vanadium and chromium than healthy children. The study suggests that as kidney function gets worse, these levels tend to go up. This could be because the kidneys aren't able to remove these elements from the body as well.

Study Details

Who was studied: 36 children and teenagers, aged 4-18, with chronic kidney disease.

How long: The study took a snapshot in time, measuring levels once for each participant.

What they took: The study didn't involve any supplements or treatments. Researchers simply measured the levels of vanadium and chromium in the children's blood.

What This Means For You

If your child has kidney disease, this study suggests they might have higher levels of vanadium and chromium. While the study didn't look at the effects of these higher levels, it's a good idea to talk to your child's doctor about:

Monitoring: Discuss whether your child's doctor should monitor their vanadium and chromium levels.

Exposure: Ask about ways to limit your child's exposure to these elements, especially if they have advanced kidney disease.

Supplements: Be cautious about giving your child supplements containing vanadium or chromium without talking to their doctor first.

Study Limitations

Small Group: The study only looked at a small number of children, so the results might not apply to everyone.

Snapshot in Time: The study only measured levels once, so it can't show how levels change over time.

Location: The study was done in Canada, so the results might be different in other places.

No Healthy Comparison: The study didn't directly compare the children's levels to a group of healthy kids.

Key Findings

This cross-sectional study found that children and adolescents (4–18 years) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) had significantly higher plasma vanadium (V) and chromium (Cr) levels compared to reference ranges. Median plasma V was 0.58 µg/L (IQR: 0.34–1.01), exceeding the 95th percentile of healthy controls, while Cr levels were also elevated. Both elements showed inverse correlations with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), with V levels >1.0 µg/L observed in 25% of patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m². Environmental water exposure in Ontario did not correlate with plasma levels, suggesting impaired renal clearance as a primary driver.

Study Design

The study was an ancillary analysis of a prospective, longitudinal randomized controlled trial. It included 36 pediatric CKD patients from two Canadian hospitals. Plasma V and Cr were measured once (cross-sectional) using high-resolution sector field inductively coupled mass spectrometry (HR-SF-ICP-MS). eGFR was calculated via cystatin C (CysC) using the Filler formula. Environmental water data from Ontario’s Stream Quality Monitoring Network was compared to patient levels.

Dosage & Administration

Not applicable. This observational study did not involve supplementation or interventions; it solely measured baseline plasma and environmental levels of V and Cr.

Results & Efficacy

Plasma Vanadium: Median 0.58 µg/L (IQR: 0.34–1.01), with 25% of patients having >1.0 µg/L (vs. <0.1 µg/L in healthy controls).
Plasma Chromium: Elevated levels noted, though specific values were not reported.
eGFR Correlation: V levels inversely correlated with CysC eGFR (p = 0.018), with the strongest association in patients <10 years old (p = 0.004).
Environmental Exposure: No significant link between local water V/Cr concentrations and plasma levels.
Seasonal Variation: Summer months showed higher plasma V (p = 0.03), possibly due to increased water exposure.

Limitations

Small Sample Size: Only 36 participants, limiting generalizability.
Cross-Sectional Design: Cannot establish causality or temporal relationships.
Environmental Data: Water measurements were from public databases, not individual-specific exposure assessments.
Lack of Control Group: Direct comparisons to healthy children were not conducted.
Single-Center Data: Regional findings may not apply to other populations.

Clinical Relevance

Pediatric CKD patients, particularly those with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m², may accumulate V and Cr due to reduced renal clearance. While the study does not address supplementation, it highlights risks of environmental exposure and potential toxicity in kidney-impaired individuals. Clinicians should consider monitoring trace element levels in advanced CKD cases, though further research is needed to define safe thresholds and long-term health impacts. For supplement users, these findings caution against V/Cr intake without renal function assessment.

Source: PubMed | Trial Registration: NCT02126293 | Design: Observational (cross-sectional)