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Dialyzer re-use--a multiple crossover study with random allocation to order of treatment
D N Churchill1, D W Taylor, A G Shimizu
1Division of Nephrology, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, Ont., Canada.
Nephron
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Dialyzer re-use showed no clinical advantages or disadvantages. This study found no significant differences in patient symptoms, fever, blood leaks, or lab values (urea, creatinine) between single-use and re-used dialyzers.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Dialyzer re-use is a cost-saving strategy in hemodialysis.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety and efficacy of re-used dialyzers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical effects of dialyzer re-use compared to single-use.
- To assess impacts on patient symptoms, physiological parameters, and laboratory values.
Main Methods:
- A multiple crossover research study design was employed.
- Six crossover periods involved alternating 4-week treatments of single-use and re-use dialyzers, with washout periods.
- Dialyzers were re-used up to 6 times, with analysis focusing on paired observations within patients.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in temperature changes during dialysis, blood leak rates, or serum urea and creatinine levels.
- Patient-reported symptoms including pruritus, cramps, nausea, headache, chest pain, backache, and fatigue showed no significant differences between the two methods.
- Analysis revealed no effect of time or the number of dialyzer re-uses on the measured outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Dialyzer re-use demonstrated no clinical advantages or disadvantages compared to single-use.
- The findings support the safety and efficacy of dialyzer re-use within the studied parameters.