Clinical aspects of hemofiltration

We report on clinical experiences obtained in 7 uremic patients treated since January 1976 3 times weekly by chronic hemofiltration. The observations which we collected in more than 300 treatments suggest that hemofiltration might be superior to conventional hemodialysis. The main advantages of this treatment are characterized by its better control of hypertension, hyperhydration, and possibly of uremic bone disease. Furthermore, the applied acrylonitrile membrane allows the removal of substances with a molecular weight up to 60,000, similar to the glomerular basement membrane. Additionally, we report on methodological problems, on the compatibility of hemofiltration, and finally on its efficiency for removal of different uremic solutes.