Abstract
Continuous hemodialysis (CHD) has become increasingly accepted in the management of acute renal failure in the critically ill patients with multiple organ failure (MOF). Complements (C) and granurocytes (G) are activated during MOF. To find out whether C and G are further activated during CHD with polymethyl methacrylate membranes, we investigate plasma levels of C3a and G elastase in complex with c t1 proteinase inhibitor (GE a PIC). Plasma C3a levels were only slightly elevated. Plasm levels of GE a PIC increased at 6 or 12 hours after the start of CHD, at 24 hours, decreased to initial levels. Our date suggest that CHD with PMMA membranes introduce a further activation of G. But this additional activation of G did not induce clinical and biological reactions in the patients. Whether more biocompatible membrane will be benefical to patients with MOF ramains to be seen.
