Eosinophilia in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Peripheral blood eosinophilia was noted in 38% of a group of maintenance hemodialysis patients, and documented by bone marrow examination. The prevalence of eosinophilia rose with increasing time on hemodialysis. In 3 subjects the phenomenon appeared to be related to dialysis equipment, but the relationship was less clear in the group as a whole. Severe hypersensitivity reactions during dialysis occurred in 2 patients with marked eosinophilia. Possible causes of sensitization in maintenance hemodialysis patients are discussed.