Pharmacokinetics of prostaglandin E-1 in patients undergoing haemodialysis

Methods and results: In a randomized cross-over study involving 8 haemodial ysis patients, 60 mu g prostaglandin E-1 or placebo was applied by infusion downstream of the dialysator over 2 hours. Before, during and after infusi on, blood samples were obtained to determine the levels of unchanged PGE(1) and PGE(1) metabolites. At selected time points, blood samples were obtain ed simultaneously immediately before entering and after exiting the dialysi s equipment with the aim of identifying extraction by the dialysis membrane . Plasma concentrations of both PGE(1) and its metabolites showed a pharmacok inetic profile identical to that described for healthy volunteers, Plasma c oncentrations measured at the inlet and outlet of the dialyzer revealed no extraction by the membrane. Conclusion: Intravenous infusion of PGE(1) performed during dialysis has no effects on the pharmacokinetics of PGE(1).