[Changes in the beta 2-microglobulin level during hemodialysis]

The authors studied changes of the beta 2-microglobulin level during hemodialysis with dialyzers AIP-02-02 (cuprophane membrane), E2 (cuprophane membrane), AIP-03-02 (polysulfone membrane), F60 (polysulfone membrane), and hemodiafiltration with dialyzer F60. The following data were obtained. The beta 2-microglobulin level in patients undergoing hemodialysis is approximately 20 times the normal level. No essential fluctuations of the level of this protein occurs during hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration. The cuprophane membrane does not cause increase of beta 2-microglobulin generation during hemodialysis. Standard hemodialysis with the cuprophane membrane and the highly-permeable polysulfone membrane does not lead to decrease of the beta 2-microglobulin level. Hemodiafiltration with the highly-permeable polysulfone membrane is an effective method for the elimination of this protein.