Abstract
Since 1981 we have been reporting our clinical results with protein permeable hemodialysis using a special filter capable of removing small molecules to low molecular weight proteins. This filter and dialyzer began to see widespread use in Japan as of 1985 for application as a protein-permeable membrane filter or dialyzer, so much so that over 40% of present hemodialysis is performed with protein-permeable membrane dialysis. Protein-permeable membrane dialysis has brought a marked reduction in symptoms such as neuropathy anemia and pruritus, which conventional dialysis could not overcome, and it has also reduced the arthralgia caused by dialysis-induced amyloidosis. In termes of serum β2-M removal. protein-permeable membrane dialysis has a 40-50% per treatment, and protein-permeable membrane diafiltration up to 60-70% per treatment. Through the use of a protein-permeable membrane filter for continuous hemofiltration or hemodiafiltration, the β2-M can be consistently maintained below 20m/l with 5-10l/day of filtration, and more favorable conditions can be maintained for small molecules, electrolytes and acid base balance than by the usual intermittent therapy.
