Effect of Hemodialysis Membranes on Platelet Count

Effect of Hemodialysis Membranes on Platelet Count

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a drop in platelet count after hemodialysis. Hemodialysis membranes are known to activate complement and cause a drop in platelets and sometimes in white blood cells. The investigators are going to study one of the membranes which is the Fresenius Optiflux® to check if it causes a drop in platelets.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients on Hemodialysis for >=6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hematological Cancers

  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Baseline thrombocytopenia
  • Acute infections (patients on antibiotics)
  • Patients with Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)/Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
  • HIV
  • Liver disease