Chromosomal abnormalities in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Forty bone marrow aspirates from maintenance hemodialysis patients were prepared for chromosomal analyses. Among the 1,187 metaphases studied, only 58% were diploidies. Other abnormalities included: pseudodiploidies (5.8%), acentric fragments (3.6%), translocated chromosomes (1.9%) and one dicentric chromosome. The abnormalities found may be due to abnormal DNA synthesis in chronic renal failure or uremia, or infusion of formaldehyde which can denature DNA. This chemical was used to sterilize dialysis equipment. Incomplete rinsing can introduce this substance into the circulation.