Dialysis Membranes and Hemodynamic Tolerance

Assessment of Subjective and Hemodynamic Tolerance of Different High- and Low-flux Dialysis Membranes in Patients Undergoing Chronic Intermittent Hemodialysis: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:

High- and low-flux dialysis membranes made of different materials may correlate with various hemodynamic tolerance profiles. This study aims to investigate hemodynamic response and incidence of hypotensive episodes by comparing some of the most commonly used high- and low-flux dialyzers.

Methodology:

The study was designed as an open label, randomized, cross-over investigation, including 25 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Four polysulfone dialyzers of 1.8 m2, A (Revaclear, Gambro), B (Helixone high flux, Fresenius), C (Xevonta, BBraun) and D (Helixone low flux, Fresenius), were compared with each other. The hemodynamic profile was assessed with a non-invasive technique and patients were asked to provide tolerance feedback through a questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18 and older
• ability to understand the information presented and sign the informed consent
• chronic hemodialysis for at least 8 weeks
• stable dialysis prescriptions and modality in the 2 weeks prior to protocol implementation

Exclusion Criteria:

• mental illness;
• inability to understand the information presented and sign the informed consent;
• acute disease requiring hospitalization at the time of patient enrolment
• pregnancy and breast feeding