[Quantitative evaluation of low-flow rate hemodialysis with sequential use of 2 membranes of differing permeability]

Although the "low flow" dialysis has not gained large clinical experience, recent long term clinical investigation indicate that it can be an interesting alternative in the treatment of uremia. This method permits a reduction in treatment cost without impairing the quality of therapy. The interest of this 12 months cross-over and comparative study with 2 types of dialyzers (H12-10/DISCAP 110) and 2 dialysate flow regiments is twofold: it confirms the lack of morbidity linked to the low flow stage; it gives quantitative data on "dose therapy" changes during the two consecutive stages. The 50% reduction of conventional dialysate flow has a lowering effect of 11 to 18% on urea and creatinine clearances depending on which type of dialyzer used. The use of H12-10 was associated in this case with a more pronounced clearance reduction. The reduction of performances was accompanied by a significant rise in urea and creatinine plasma level without changes in protein catabolic rate while it masks a decrease in creatinine generation rate.