Granulocyte Elastase, β-Thromboglobulin, and C3D during Acetate or Bicarbonate Hemodialysis with Hemophan® Compared to a Cellulose Acetate Membrane

Abstract

Twenty-two patients were dialysed in a cross-over design using Hemophan® or cellulose acetate membranes. The dialysate buffer was acetate (n = 12) or bicarbonate (n = 10). Blood was sampled at 0, 15, 60 and 180 min and mean values were adjusted for changes in total protein in each sample. At 15 min during dialysis a decrease in leukocytes and platelets occurred with both membranes, irrespective of the buffer (Wilcoxon, p < 0.006). During dialysis, increases were found in granulocyte elastase inhibitor complex (E-α1-PI), β-thromboglobulin and C3d. β2-microgrobulin was not significantly changed in blood after dialysis with Hemophan® or cellulose acetate membranes with bicarbonate buffer. Side effects were more pronounced at 180 min during dialysis with bicarbonate in patients using cellulose acetate than with Hemophan® (p = 0.021, n = 8). Hemophan® seemed to be more favourable than cellulose acetate membranes in regard to leukopenia and E- α1-PI. The dialysate buffer may also alter membrane biocompatibility.