Pentraxin 3, a sensitive early marker of hemodialysis-induced inflammation

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the long pentraxin 3 (PTX-3) may be a useful marker of intradialytic inflammation since it is rapidly released in the vasculature.

PTX-3, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein were measured before and during a hemodialysis session in 22 patients and compared with healthy subjects. The effect of dialysis with low-flux, high-flux membranes and hemodiafiltration on the inflammatory response was compared in 11 patients.

C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels did not change, while a modest decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α was observed during hemodialysis. The plasma PTX-3 concentration was significantly increased (p < 0.001) after 60 min and peaked at 180 min during hemodialysis. There was no difference in the intradialytic increase in PTX-3 using different dialysis membranes and modalities.

PTX-3 stands out as a rapid and sensitive marker of hemodialysis-induced inflammation. Membrane flux and hemodiafiltration did not alter the inflammatory response.