Abstract
The modified Hemophan was developed in order to reduce the heparin adsorption to Hemophan, in which DEAE content was slightly reduced, compared with the original Hemophan. We compared dialyzers containing original Hemophan, modified Hemophan, Cuprophan and polymethylemethacrylate (PMMA) with regard to their biocompatibility and heparin adsorption during the course of hemodialysis treatment. As a result of test in vitro, modified Hemophan adsorbed less heparin than original Hemophan. Further, original and modified Hemophan adsorbed more amount of low molecular weight heparin than that of conventional heparin. As a result of test in vivo, modified Hemophan adsorbed less heparin than original Hemophan. So the amount of heparin required during hemodialysis decreased by 17.7%. The biocompatibility in view of the C3 activation and the decrease in white blood cell count was as follows; PMMA>modified Hemophan=original Hemophan>Cuprophan. We observed no significant changes between modified Hemophan and original Hemophan in C3 activation or white blood cell count. In conclusion, modified Hemophan is a useful membrane in the antithrombogenicity without loss of the biocompatibility.
