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Higher Levels of Hair Ethyl Glucuronide in Patients with Decreased Kidney Function
Author(s) -
Høiseth Gudrun,
Morini Luca,
Ganss Rudiger,
Nordal Kristin,
Mørland Jørg
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2012.01882.x
Subject(s) - ethyl glucuronide , renal function , medicine , cabello , physiology , kidney , excretion , urine , population , kidney disease , endocrinology , dermatology , chemistry , alcohol , biochemistry , environmental health , scalp , alcohol consumption
Background Hair levels of ethyl glucuronide ( E t G ) are often used to differentiate social drinking from heavy drinking. Patients with decreased kidney function have delayed excretion of E t G , and increased incorporation into hair could be suspected. The aim of this study was to compare hair E t G levels in patients with decreased kidney function to those seen in healthy volunteers. Methods Twelve patients with renal disease were included. The levels of E t G in hair were adjusted to estimated daily intake of ethanol ( EDI ) and compared to 21 previously published healthy individuals. Results The levels of hair E t G in the 12 patients ranged between < limit of detection and 134 pg/mg, and the EDI ranged between 0.1 and 12 g. The levels of E t G in hair were significantly higher in the patients compared to healthy volunteers ( p = 0.009). Conclusions These preliminary results indicate that hair levels of E t G in a population of patients with decreased kidney function should be interpreted with caution.