BIOCOMPATIBILITY DIFFERENCES WITH RESPECT TO THE DIALYZER STERILIZATION METHOD

The impact of the method of sterilization (steam vs. ethylene oxide, E TO) on indices of biocompatibility is investigated using polysulfone m embranes. Eight patients were treated with a random choice of the high -flux membranes F60S (steam) and F60 (ETO) and the low-flux membrane F 6 (ETO). Blood samples were taken prior to and 5, 15, 30, 60, and 180 min after the start of hemodialysis. White blood cell count, platelet count, and plasma concentrations of polymorphonuclear neutrophil elast ase, complements C3a and C5a, and beta(2)-microglobulin were determine d. The dialysis procedure was associated with a significant decrease i n white blood cell count and beta(2)-microglobulin level and a signifi cant increase in polymorphonuclear neutrophil elastase and complement C3a and C5a levels. However, the steam-sterilized F60S membrane had a significantly lower impact on the biocompatibility indices than the ET O-sterilized F60 and F6 membranes (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001 for the indiv idual markers). We conclude that using steam instead of ETO for steril ization may improve the biocompatibility of membranes.