DOES THE BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF HEMODIALYSIS MEMBRANE PLAY A ROLE IN THEPROGNOSIS OF ACUTE-RENAL-FAILURE

Several recent publications have suggested that the use of cuprophane in the setting of acute renal failure is associated with a higher mort ality (especially from sepsis) and a slower recovery of renal function in the survivors in comparison with more biocompatible membranes. We present here a critical review of these publications and point to seve ral methodological bias that might invalidate their conclusions. Howev er, while waiting further information, we would advocate to abandon th e use of cuprophane to dialyze patients with acute renal failure.