Performance and biocompatibility of a new hemodialysis membrane

Performance studies and investigations of the biocompatibility of a new hemodialysis membrane were conducted in patients being chronically hemodialyzed. The investigated polycarbonate membrane revealed a very satisfying performance with regard to clearance values and the ultrafiltration rate. The biocompatibility studies showed a significant leukopenia and an increase of C5a, platelet factor 4 and granulocyte elastase. Thrombocytes and C3d remained unchanged. Long-term studies have to confirm whether or not the new membrane is more biocompatible, a suggestion which could be advanced, as no febrile episodes were observed during any treatment, a finding which is not typical for Cuprophan hemodialysis.