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Microplastic Accumulation in Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVF) of Dialysis Patients
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, built up in the blood vessel access points used for dialysis in kidney patients. This suggests microplastics from our environment can accumulate inside the human body, raising questions about whether they might affect blood vessel health, especially in people who rely on medical devices like dialysis access ports.
The Letter to the editor does not contain an abstract.
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Microplastic entry into bloodstream via hemodialysis: A dual-simulation clinical study
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Researchers measured microplastics in the blood of nine patients before and after hemodialysis, finding that particle counts nearly doubled post-procedure, with polymer types matching dialysis tubing materials — suggesting medical plastic devices are a direct route of microplastic entry into the bloodstream.
Micro- and nanoplastics and the kidney: human evidence, clinical vulnerabilities, dialysis-related exposure, and CKD
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Tiny plastic particles have been found in human kidneys, blood, and urine, and this review pulls together existing research suggesting these particles—along with chemicals like BPA and PFAS often found in plastics—may be linked to kidney damage, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease. People on dialysis may face extra exposure because their blood repeatedly contacts plastic tubing and filters during treatment, making them an important group to study further. While the science is still developing, this research highlights why reducing plastic exposure and rethinking medical device materials could matter for protecting kidney health, especially in vulnerable patients.
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This study investigated whether kidney dialysis patients are being exposed to micro and nanoplastics during their treatments, since they process 300 to 600 liters of water per week. The researchers found several potential contamination points in the dialysis process and estimated that even with 99% filtration, plastic particles could still reach patients' kidneys. This is especially concerning because dialysis patients already have compromised kidney function and may be more vulnerable to plastic particle exposure.
Unveiling hidden contaminants: a systematic quantification and characterization of microplastics in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis fluids
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Researchers systematically analyzed hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis fluids for microplastic contamination and found plastic particles, predominantly fibers, in all tested samples. The microplastics were identified using advanced spectroscopic techniques and included polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene. The findings raise concerns about chronic microplastic exposure in dialysis patients, who are exposed to large volumes of these fluids over time.
Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the kidney and cardiovascular system
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This review summarizes evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics found in human hearts, kidneys, blood, and urine can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and metabolic disruption. Kidney dialysis patients may face especially high exposure, and clinical evidence suggests particulate plastic exposure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.