Dependence of filtration flow rate and pore size on clearance in blood purification for critical care calculated by the pore model and mass transfer models for hemodiafiltration

Abstract

Blood purification therapy has become a widely used modality in critical care and intensive care. However, few studies have been carried out to investigate the influence of operating conditions and/or structure of the hemofiltration membrane on the solute removal efficiency. We examined the effect of the total flow rate of dialysate flow and filtration flow (Q_D+Q_F), the ratio of dialysate flow rate to filtration flow rate (Q_D/Q_F) and the hemofilter pore size on clearance, using the pore model and mass transfer model for hemodiafiltration. Clearance was increased with increasing Q_D+Q_F and pore size. Clearance of small molecular weight solutes showed a minimum value by changing Q_D/Q_F, whereas for middle or large molecular weight solutes a maximum value was shown. Furthermore, clearance showed a minimum or maximum value at different Q_D/Q_F depending on the solutes.