Biocompatibility of a new polycarbonate dialysis membrane

The present report summarizes our experience with a new polycarbonate (PC)-based dialysis membrane (Gambro Lundia PRO-5) compared with a cuprophan (CP)-based membrane (Gambro Lundia 10-5N). Platelet count decreased during dialysis with CP, but was unchanged with PC membranes. Platelet injury, reflected by decreased platelet aggregation and increase in plasma beta-thromboglobulin, occurred equally with both membranes. Complement activation (C3d and C5a), leukopenia and release of granulocyte-derived elastase was more extensive with CP than with PC membranes. The new membrane represents an improvement of biocompatibility with respect to the complement-leukocyte system, whereas the effect on platelets resembles the injury caused by CP membranes.