Anticoagulation by ancrod for haemodialysis.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Hematology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Heparin is a standard anticoagulant for haemodialysis.
• Fibrin and leucocyte deposition on dialysis membranes can impair efficiency.
• Alternative anticoagulants are being explored to improve haemodialysis outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate ancrod as a heparin alternative for intermittent haemodialysis.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of ancrod in reducing membrane deposition.
• To compare ancrod's performance with heparin regarding anticoagulation and dialysis efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Ancrod was administered as an anticoagulant during intermittent haemodialysis.
• Fibrin and leucocyte deposition on Cellophane membranes were quantified.
• Urea dialysance was measured to assess dialysis efficiency.
• Ancrod's safety and administration complexity were noted.

Main Results:

• Ancrod demonstrated effective anticoagulation and was apparently safe.
• Ancrod significantly reduced fibrin and leucocyte deposition on the dialysis membrane.
• Haemodialysis administration with ancrod was more complex than with heparin.
• Urea dialysance was lower when using ancrod compared to heparin.

Conclusions:

• Ancrod is a viable, safe anticoagulant for haemodialysis, reducing membrane fouling.
• Despite benefits in membrane deposition, ancrod's complex administration and reduced urea dialysance require consideration.
• Further research may optimize ancrod use or explore modified protocols for haemodialysis.