Abstract
In order to eliminate endotoxin(ET) from dialysate, microporous hollow fiber membrane composed of polyethylene(Sterapore DA; DA, Mitsubishi Rayon Co.Ltd.) was attached to dialysate outlet line just before dialyzer, and changes in ET removal capacity(endospacy method), pressure drop through DA and accuracy of ultrafiltration control of delivery machine were evaluated for 20 weeks. ET concentration in dialysate fluctuated from 13.6 to 48.1pg/ml before DA, however it was decreased below detection limit(1.0pg/ml)after passing through DA at any timepoint during the study. Pressure drop of dialysate attributable to the passage through DA was 10mmHg at 0week, then it increased to 69mmHg at 20weeks. Accuracy of ultrafiltration control evaluated in vitro at 0 and 20 weeks, showed no significant difference. From these findings, it is concluded that despite pressure drop increases in the long-term use, DA appears to be useful as ET elimination filter for dialysis therapy.
