ACETYLSALICYLIC-ACID LOADED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) HEMODIALYSIS MEMBRANES - EFFECT OF DRUG-RELEASE ON BLOOD COMPATIBILITY AND PERMEABILITY

Membranes developed from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) have superior perme ability because of the highly hydrophilic character of PVA. However, i ts blood compatibility needs to be further improved. For this we have developed acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin) loaded PVA membranes. It seems that the slow release of aspirin from the membrane provides a s urface concentration of aspirin sufficient for partially inhibiting pl atelet adhesion. PVA membrane with 531 mu g cm(-2) of ASA loaded, may be selected for hemodialysis applications. This may help to reduce the amount of heparin infused during hemodialysis, thereby reducing the s ide-effects associated with the systemic administration of heparin.