From the FDA Drug Label
Approximately every six months patients receiving dimethyl sulfoxide should have a biochemical screening, particularly liver and renal function tests, and complete blood count. The FDA drug label suggests that renal function tests are recommended for patients receiving intravenous Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), implying that DMSO may potentially affect renal function.
- However, it does not directly state that intravenous DMSO can cause renal impairment.
- The label recommends monitoring renal function, which indicates a potential risk, but it does not provide explicit evidence of causality.
- Therefore, based on the available information, it is unclear if intravenous DMSO can cause renal impairment, but caution is advised due to the recommended monitoring of renal function 1.
From the Research
Intravenous Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) can potentially cause renal impairment, and its use should be approached with caution due to the risk of hemolysis and osmotic nephrosis. The potential for DMSO to cause kidney damage is a concern, particularly when administered intravenously, as it can lead to hemolysis, releasing free hemoglobin that can damage kidney tubules and potentially cause acute kidney injury 2. Additionally, IV DMSO can cause osmotic nephrosis, where kidney cells swell and become damaged, increasing the risk of renal impairment. The kidneys are particularly vulnerable because they concentrate and filter substances from the blood, making them more susceptible to damage from toxic substances like DMSO. Some studies have investigated the effects of DMSO on kidney function, including a study from 1981 that found no significant short-term nephrotoxicity from intravenous DMSO 3, and another study from 2004 that suggested DMSO may have antioxidant effects that could protect the kidney from injury 4. However, a more recent systematic review from 2018 found that DMSO can cause a variety of adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal and skin reactions, and that the dose of DMSO plays an important role in the occurrence of these reactions 2. Given the potential risks and limited benefits, it is recommended to avoid using intravenous DMSO whenever possible and to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss safer alternative treatments. Key considerations for healthcare providers include:
- Monitoring kidney function closely in patients receiving IV DMSO
- Using the lowest effective dose of DMSO to minimize the risk of adverse reactions
- Being aware of the potential for hemolysis and osmotic nephrosis, and taking steps to prevent or mitigate these effects
- Considering alternative treatments that may be safer and more effective for the patient's condition.