Effects of biocompatible membranes on uremic anemia in hemodialysis patients

Biocompatible hemodialysis membranes induce a smaller inflamatory response in hemodialysis patients, and remove a larger amount of higher molecular we ight retention products, then cellusosic membranes. These phenomena could i mprove uremic anemia in hemodialysis patients. The objective was to evaluat e the effects of biocompatible AN69 membranes on anemia in hemodialysis pat ients. Twenty-five stable patients undergoing hemodialysis with cuprophan membrane for more than 6 months were studied prospectively. These patients were str atified in 2 groups. Group I (GI): 14 patients switched over to a more bioc ompatible dialyzer (from cuprophan to AN69) and Group II (GII): 11 patients continued treatment with the same cuprophan membrane. The study lasted 5 m onts. Baseline hematocrit (%), ferritin (ng/mL), transferrin saturation (%) , KTV, PCR (g/kg/day) and dose of Erythropoietin (EPO) (Ul/week) were measu red and were revised monthly. Target hematocrit was 33%-35%. A significant increase of hematocrit became obvious after 2 months in Cl without changes in dose of EPO and intensity of dialysis, meanwhile GII remains stable. Conclusion: Hemodialysis using AN69 membranes increases hematocrit without modifying intensity of dialysis.