EVALUATION OF PROTEIN-PERMEABLE MEMBRANES

BIOCOMPATIBILITY AND CLINICAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The three protein permeable membranes, regenerated cellulose (RC), cellulose acetate (CA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were tested for biocompatibility and clinical performance. Seven patients on maintenance hemodialysis took part in this study. In the drop of white blood cells during the hemodialysis, PAN showed the smallest change in the three membranes. No significant difference was seen in pletelets, PaO₂ and granulocyte elastase during the hemodialysis between the membranes. In C₃a generation, PAN dispalyed the smallest change in the three membranes. No difference was seen in the mean clearances of small molecules. In the removal of β₂-microglobulin during the hemodiafiltration, PAN was the most effective membrane in this study. The results indicate differences in biocompatibility and clinical performance between the different protein-permeable membranes.