Study on pruritus in hemodialysis patients and the antipruritic effect of neurotropin: plasma levels of substance P, somatostatin, IgE, PTH and histamine.

It has been reported that Neurotropin can markedly improve pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). In order to elucidate the probable causes of pruritus and the antipruritic effect of Neurotropin, various biochemical parameters in the plasma of patients before and during HD were investigated. Forty-three patients undergoing HD were divided into three groups. Eighteen patients had suffered no episode of pruritus (group A), 17 patients had on-going pruritus (group B) and the remaining 8 patients had experienced improvement of pruritus following Neurotropin treatment (group C). The mean concentration of substance P was in only B group significantly increased with HD only in B group, indicating that substance P could be one of the causes of pruritus in patients undergoing HD. Neurotropin appears to exert its antipruritic effect by lowering the level of substance P. The change in parathyroid hormone (PTH) level during HD was not significant in any of the groups, but the mean concentration of PTH in group B was higher than that of group A, indicating that PTH may also be one of the causes of pruritus.     

Relationship between pruritus, transepidermal water loss, and biochemical markers of renal itch in haemodialysis patients

The pathogenesis of pruritus in patients undergoing chronichaemodialysis is unknown. Dryness of the skin is common in uraemicpatients, and a correlation between xerosis and pruritus hasbeen reported. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is a measureof cutaneous barrier function and also reflects skin water content.In this study the transepidermal water loss was measured atfour sites pre- and postdialysis in 20 subjects undergoing chronichaemodialysis and in 16 healthy controls. Patients were weighedbefore and after dialysis and blood was taken for measurementof urea, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, phosphate and haemoglobin.All patients had parathyroid hormone measured within 3 monthsof the assessment. There was no significant difference in TEWL between patientsand controls, with control values in general being between pre-and postdialysis rates of TEWL, and no correlation between TEWLand the presence or absence of pruritus. There was no significantdifferences between the pruritic and non-pruritic patients forany of the biochemical markers measured. Finally there was nosignificant correlation between the percentage water loss andTEWL. These findings indicate that pruritus of chronic haemodialysisis not related to abnormalities of cutaneous permeability.     

Plasma serotonin and histamine levels in hemodialysis-related pruritus are not significantly influenced by 5-HT3 receptor blocker and antihistaminic therapy

BACKGROUND: Elevated plasma histamine levels are considered to play a part in the pathophysiology of hemodialysis-related pruritus. However, antihistaminic therapy often fails to provide sufficient relief. Elevated serotonin levels in patients on dialysis therapy have also been described but the effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists on hemodialysis-related pruritus remain controversial. METHODS: we conducted a study to determine plasma histamine and serotonin levels before and after treatment with 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (tropisetron 5 mg and ondansetron 8 mg) and an antihistamine (cetirizine 10 mg). Eleven hemodialysis patients with a history of pruritus participated in this study,10 healthy volunteers served as control group. RESULTS: Histamine and serotonin values were normal in patients and controls. Treatment with cetirizine did not significantly reduce histamine levels in patients or in controls. Tropisetron and ondansetron likewise did not alter serotonin levels in patients. Tropisetron treatment did not significantly change serotonin levels in controls. CONCLUSION: Histamine and serotonin are no major mediators of pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Elevated histamine levels are occassionally seen and may be due to the increased mast cell number found in a subgroup of hemodialysis patients. Our findings explain the only marginal relief of antihistamines and the controversial antipruritic effect of serotonin receptor antagonists in hemodialysis-related pruritus.     

Pruritus and mast cell proliferation of the skin in end stage renal failure

We studied the relationships between dermal mast cell proliferation and pruritus or hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis (HD). Skin biopsies were taken from 59 patients in end stage renal failure; 51 were on maintenance HD, and the other 8 were not. As a control, 34 non-renal failure pruritic patients were used. Thirty-one of the 59 end stage renal failure patients (52.5%) had pruritus. The incidences of pruritus found in patients on HD and those not on HD were 56.9% and 25%, respectively. Significantly larger numbers of dermal mast cells were found in HD patients than in the control. There was no clear relationship between dermal mast cell proliferation and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. We speculated that the cause of pruritus in the patients undergoing maintenance HD was due to an increase of dermal mast cells and a release of histamine as a result of extra-corporeal circulation.     

Increased activity of TRPV3 in keratinocytes in hypertrophic burn scars with postburn pruritus

Postburn pruritus is a common distressing sequela of burn wounds. Empirical antipruritic treatment often fails to have a satisfactory outcome, as the mechanism of it has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the manifestation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3), transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), and other related receptors in postburn pruritus. Sixty‐five burn patients with (n = 40) or without (n = 25) pruritus were investigated, including skin biopsies. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts from skin biopsy samples were separated. Real time‐PCR showed that mRNA of TRPV3 was significantly increased in keratinocytes from pruritic burn scars than in keratinocytes from nonpruritic burn scars. With TRPV3 activation, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations were more significantly increased in keratinocytes from pruritic burn scars than in those from nonpruritic ones. Additionally, mRNA and protein levels of protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1R) were also significantly increased in pruritic burn scars. In conclusion, it was confirmed that TRPV3, PAR2, and NK1R were highly expressed in pruritic burn scars. These results may help determine a novel mechanism for postburn pruritus.     

Anaphylatoxin formation during hemodialysis: effects of different dialyzer membranes

Measurable complement activation resulting in the formation of both C3a and C5a anaphylatoxins was observed in 12 patients undergoing maintenance dialysis treatment with cuprophan hollow fiber dialyzers. Specific radioimmunoassay measurements demonstrated that these patients displayed significantly elevated levels of C3a antigen in the venous (outflow) line of the dialyzer after only 2 min of dialysis. During hemodialysis, venous plasma C3a levels continued to increase and became maximally elevated after 15 min. Thereafter, C3a concentrations gradually declined, suggesting that the rate of complement activation abates with continued cuprophan hemodialysis. Complement activation, as judged by venous plasma C3a levels, was also temporally correlated with hemodialysis leukopenia. The factor believed to be responsible for pulmonary vascular leukosequestration, C5a, could also be detected in venous plasma, but levels of this antigen were not strikingly elevated until the later stages of dialysis. By contrast, six patients dialyzed with polyacrylonitrile dialyzers failed to exhibit hemodialysis leukopenia and displayed only very modest increases in their plasma C3a levels during the initial phases of hemodialysis. These observations provide direct evidence that anaphylatoxin formation during hemodialysis is a transient phenomenon and indicate that the biocompatibility of dialysis membranes, as reflected by their complement activating potential, may be significantly different.     

Pruritus and skin hydration during dialysis

BACKGROUND: Dry skin is frequently observed in uraemic patients and a linkwith the common complaint of pruritus has been suggested. Objectivedata on skin dryness in haemodialysed patients is sparse andequivocal. No such information exists for the many patientsnow receiving peritoneal dialysis. We assessed the prevalenceand severity of both pruritus and skin dryness in a uraemicpopulation receiving maintenance dialysis. RESULT: Forty-eight haemodialysis and 24 peritoneal dialysis patientswere examined and skin dryness assessed by clinical gradingand measurement of stratum corneum hydration using a corneometer.Forty age- and sex-matched controls were also assessed. Severalbiochemical parameters with possible relevance to pruritus weremeasured. Regular emollient therapy was prescribed to pruriticdialysis patients and efficacy assessed. RESULT: Dialysis patients overall had clinically drier skin than controls,especially the peritoneal dialysis group. Stratum corneum hydrationlevels were significantly reduced in the peritoneal dialysis(P<0.004), but not the haemodialysis, population. Twenty-sevenper cent of haemodialysed and 54% of peritoneal dialysis patientscomplained of pruritus. Pruritic patients in each dialysis grouphad significantly lower hydration than non-pruritic patients(P<0.05). Regular emollient use in pruritic patients produceda marked reduction in severity of pruritus, abolishing the symptomin nine of 21 patients treated. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced stratum corneum hydration correlates with pruritus inpatients on maintenance haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis,and may be alleviated by simple emollient therapy.     

Serum bile acids and pruritus in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: Chronic renal failure (CRF) patients usually suffer from pruritus. The pathophysiology of pruritus is still incompletely understood. SUBJECTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this paper we determined serum total bile acids (STBA) in hemodialysis patients with advanced CRF (ACRF) in order to obtain STBA concentration in predialysis, to assess their probable relation among patients with pruritus and in postdialysis using a polysulfone membrane for dialysis. STBA were determined in 49 ACRF patients with chronic hemodialysis and values were compared to 20 control subjects. Hemodialysis patients were divided in two groups: with and without pruritus. In all these patients, month of renal replacement therapy, diabetic patients, dose of dialysis (Kt/V), viral markers, serum creatinine, serum glucose, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, hematocrits and albumin were determined. The intensity of itching among pruritic patients was measured by a score system: mild (M), moderate (MO) and severe (S). RESULTS: No significant differences were found in patients with and without pruritus in months of renal replacement therapy, duration of dialysis or dose of dialysis (Kt/V). STBA were determined in all ACRF patients in predialysis and they showed significant differences compared to controls (p < 0.05), however, no differences were observed in the results obtained when control subjects were compared to ACRF patients without pruritus. Also in predialysis, pruritic patients showed significant differences in STBA compared to patients without pruritus (p < 0.001). STBA concentration showed a significant decrease in postdialysis using a polysulfone membrane in ACRF patients with and without pruritus. Finally, correlation with STBA and itch score of pruritus was significant (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: Hemodialysis patients with ACRF and pruritus showed an increase of STBA in predialysis and a decrease in postdialysis.     

消风散加减、西替利嗪内服联合血液灌流对血液透析皮肤瘙痒患者的疗效观察

目的探讨消风散加减、西替利嗪内服联合血液灌流对血液透析皮肤瘙痒患者的临床疗效。方法选择南京中医药大学沭阳附属医院2017年1月至2019年12月期间收治的血液透析皮肤瘙痒患者162例。采用随机数字法分为A组、B组和C组,各54例。所有患者给予血液透析,A组给予血液灌流治疗,B组给予消风散加减、西替利嗪内服治疗,C组给予消风散加减、西替利嗪内服联合血液灌流治疗,疗程3个月。采用视觉模拟评分(visual analogue score,VAS)及改良Duo氏瘙痒评分(Duo's pruritus score,Duo's VAG)评估患者瘙痒程度,采用匹兹堡睡眠质量指数(Pittsburgh sleep quality index,PSQI)评估患者睡眠质量。比较三组治疗前后瘙痒程度、睡眠质量、血肌酐(serum creatinine,Scr)、血尿素氮(blood urea nitrogen,BUN)、β2微球蛋白(β2-microglobulin,β2-MG)、C-反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、甲状旁腺激素(parathyroid hormone,PTH)、血钙(Ca)、血磷(P)等指标变化。结果三组治疗前VAS评分、Duo's VAG评分、PSQI评分、Scr、BUN、β2-MG、CRP、PTH、Ca及P等水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后,三组VAS评分、Duo's VAG评分、PSQI评分、β2-MG、CRP、PTH、P水平均降低(P<0.05),Scr、BUN、Ca水平均无明显变化(P>0.05);C组治疗后VAS评分、Duo's VAG评分、PSQI评分、β2-MG、CRP、PTH、P均低于A组和B组(P<0.05);C组总有效率90.74%高于A组(74.07%)和B组(72.22%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论消风散加减、西替利嗪联合血液灌流可有效改善血液透析皮肤瘙痒患者瘙痒症状,提高睡眠质量,降低血清PTH、β2-MG、CRP、P等指标水平,临床疗效满意。     

Oxidative stress, advanced glycation end product, and coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients

Coronary artery calcification is an index of the severity of atherosclerotic vascular disease, and may predict future adverse cardiovascular events in uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). HD patients are exposed to oxidative stress, and show high plasma levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The association between oxidative stress, AGEs, established cardiovascular risk factors, and coronary artery calcification score (CACS) was studied in 225 HD patients (123 male, 102 female patients). CACS was measured by using multi-detector row computed tomography. Age, systolic blood pressure, calcium, calcium x phosphate, malondialdehyde, lipid peroxides, and pentosidine were significantly and positively correlated with CACS. Duration on HD tended to be positively correlated with CACS. From the independent variables included in the forward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, only age, systolic blood pressure, lipid peroxides, calcium, and pentosidine were independently associated with CACS. The odds ratios for past history of coronary artery disease and the presence of diabetes mellitus for high CACS (> or =100) were 6.25 (95% confidence interval; 1.83-21.4) and 2.03 (95% confidence interval; 1.02-4.05), respectively. The plasma pentosidine was significantly and positively correlated with indoxyl sulfate. In conclusion, in addition to such traditional cardiovascular risk factors as past history, diabetes mellitus, aging, systolic blood pressure and calcium overload, oxidative stress (lipid peroxides), and AGE (pentosidine) are associated with extensive coronary artery calcification in HD patients. Lipid peroxidation and glycoxidation may be involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery calcification.     

Plasma levels of complement fragments during hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure

The kinetics of hemodialysis-induced leukopenia and generation of complement fragments including C3a, C5a, C4d, iC3b and Bb were investigated in 14 patients during hemodialysis using cellulose acetate (CA), cuprophan (Cu) and ethylenevinyl alcohol (EVA) membranes. A marked leukopenia in the first 15 minutes was observed in CA and Cu. Plasma C3a levels were higher in CA than in Cu and EVA. Plasma C5a levels were higher in CA and Cu than in EVA. There was a negative correlation between the white blood cell counts and plasma C5a levels at 15 minutes (gamma = -0.85, p less than 0.001). Plasma C4d levels showed no increase in all membranes. Plasma iC3b levels were higher significantly in Cu than in CA and EVA. Plasma Bb levels in the first 15 minutes increased significantly in all membranes, and furthermore continued to increase till the end of hemodialysis in CA and Cu. This study revealed that all the membranes tested activated the complement via the alternative pathway to produce Bb, iC3b, C3a and C5a. C5a was thought to take an important role in transient leukopenia. Furthermore, Bb was accumulated during hemodialysis in CA and Cu, and its biological effects on patients undergoing hemodialysis should be studied.     

Multiple histopathological skin alterations in a hemodialysis patient with severe pruritus

Pruritus is an alarming symptom in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) accompanied by sleep disturbances and physical and mental disorders. Although its prevalence is very high among hemodialysis patients (90%), its etiology and its successful treatment have been unconfirmed (Melo N, Elias R, Castro M, Romao G, Abensur H. Pruritus in hemodialysis patients: The problem still remains. Hemodial Int. 2009;13:38-42.). Common pruritus etiologies, such as high parathyroid hormone levels, dialysis inadequacy, and iron deficiency are matters of conflict. The case of a hemodialysis patient with consistent itching and a variety of cutaneous eruptions, which after performing skin biopsy were explored and cured, is described. This article addresses the possibility of other causes of pruritus in ESRD and encourages watchful waiting with simple medical interventions, which would relieve patients' symptoms.     

Intractable pruritus in patients with hepatitis C virus

Intractable pruritus is one of the most common symptoms of chronic liver disease, especially experienced by patients with prolonged cholestasis. It can become the most distressing symptom in patients affected by chronic liver disease, causing a reduction in quality of life, interfering with daily activities, and leading to sleep deprivation or contributing to psychological disturbances up to suicide ideation. Therefore, pruritus that does not respond to medical therapy is an indication for liver transplantation. We treated nine patients with hepatitis C virus affected by intractable pruritus with the molecular adsorbent recirculating system. In each patient, liver function, renal function, and hemodynamic variables were evaluated before and after the treatment. Before undergoing the treatment each patient underwent abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography scan to exclude organic causes for pruritus. We observed a decrease in total bilirubin, creatinine, and bile acids together with a significant improvement in Visual Analog Scale for staging of pruritus in all the patients. Due to the small number of patients the results were not significant.     

Vitamin E attenuates oxidative stress induced by intravenous iron in patients on hemodialysis

Intravenous iron application to anemic patients on hemodialysis leads to an "oversaturation" of transferrin. As a result, non-transferrin-bound, redox-active iron might induce lipid peroxidation. To test the hypothesis that vitamin E attenuates lipid peroxidation in patients receiving 100 mg of iron(III) hydroxide sucrose complex intravenously during a hemodialysis session, 22 patients were investigated in a randomized cross-over design, either with or without a single oral dose of 1200 IU of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate taken 6 h before the hemodialysis session. Blood was drawn before and 30, 60, 90, 135, and 180 min after the start of the iron infusion, and areas under the curve (AUC0-180 min) of ratios of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) to cholesterol and plasma total peroxides to cholesterol (two markers of lipid peroxidation) were determined as the outcome variables. At baseline of the session without vitamin E supplementation, plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations (27.6 +/- 1.8 micromol/L) and ratios of alpha-tocopherol to cholesterol (5.88 +/- 1.09 mmol/mol) were normal, plasma MDA concentrations were above normal (1.20 +/- 0.28 micromol/ L), and bleomycin-detectable iron (BDI), indicating the presence of redox-active iron, was not detectable. Upon iron infusion, BDI and MDA concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.001). BDI concentrations explained the increase over baseline in MDA concentrations (MDA = 1.29 +/- 0.075 x BDI). Vitamin E supplementation, leading to a 68% increase in plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations, significantly reduced the AUC0-180 min of MDA to cholesterol (P = 0.004) and peroxides to cholesterol (P = 0.002). These data demonstrate that a single oral dose of vitamin E attenuates lipid peroxidation in patients on hemodialysis receiving intravenous iron. Given that intravenous iron is applied repeatedly to patients on hemodialysis, this therapeutic approach may protect against oxidative stress-related degenerative disease in the long term.     

Multiple Histopathological Skin Alterations in a Hemodialysis Patient with Severe Pruritus

Pruritus is an alarming symptom in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) accompanied by sleep disturbances and physical and mental disorders. Although its prevalence is very high among hemodialysis patients (90%), its etiology and its successful treatment have been unconfirmed (Melo N, Elias R, Castro M, Romao G, Abensur H. Pruritus in hemodialysis patients: The problem still remains. Hemodial Int. 2009;13:38–42.). Common pruritus etiologies, such as high parathyroid hormone levels, dialysis inadequacy, and iron deficiency are matters of conflict. The case of a hemodialysis patient with consistent itching and a variety of cutaneous eruptions, which after performing skin biopsy were explored and cured, is described. This article addresses the possibility of other causes of pruritus in ESRD and encourages watchful waiting with simple medical interventions, which would relieve patients’ symptoms.     

High incidence of pruritus after large doses of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) infusions

BACKGROUND: There are several studies indicating a correlation between treatment with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and pruritus. In order to see whether there is a possible dose-response relationship between HES and pruritus, we retrospectively studied 50 patients who had received HES in varying doses (cumulative dose 500-19500 ml) as hemodilution therapy after subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: Of 50 consecutive patients, 6 were excluded due to severe neurological sequelae. A questionnaire was sent to the remaining 44 patients at 6 months (5-12 months) median (range) after the end of HES treatment. RESULTS: We received answers from 37 patients, of whom 54% reported pruritus. On average pruritus lasted for 15 weeks. There was significantly more pruritus in patients who received more than 5000 ml of HES versus those who received less than 5000 ml (P=0.023). Pruritus had a delayed onset and appeared as pruritic crises lasting for 2-30 min. It had a patchy distribution in most patients and no predilected locations. In 4 patients (20%) the pruritus lasted longer than 21 weeks. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that there is a dose-dependency for the incidence of HES-induced pruritus, and that in some cases the pruritus may be severe and long-lasting.     

Protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III levels in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis

Patients undergoing dialysis are subject to risk of thrombotic complications. We studied the plasma levels of natural coagulation inhibitors including protein C (PC), protein S (PS), and antithrombin III (AT III) in 20 patients on hemodialysis and 20 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Total PS antigen, free PS antigen, immunological and functional activities of PC and AT III were measured. Hemodialysis patients had a higher total PS level but a lower free PS level compared with healthy controls. Both the immunological and functional activities of AT III in hemodialysis patients were significantly lower than those of controls. With the exception of total PS level, CAPD patients had comparable or even higher plasma level of natural coagulation inhibitors compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the plasma levels of PC, PS, and AT III were significantly lower in hemodialysis patients compared with CAPD patients despite greater daily losses of PC, PS, and AT III through urinary and peritoneal routes in patients on CAPD treatment. Most of the AT III in the peritoneal dialysate was still functionally active but most of the PC was inactive. Our observations suggest an effective turnover and production of these natural coagulation inhibitors in patients on CAPD therapy but a similar compensatory mechanism does not operate efficiently in patients receiving hemodialysis.     

A prospective study on the role of gabapentin in post-burn pruritus

Gabapentin, used in the treatment of neuropathic pain, is suggested as an alternative treatment to antihistamines for post-burn itching. There is insufficient awareness about the etiopathogenesis and available treatment options for post-burn pruritus. To study the effect of gabapentin on post-burn itching, patients with post-burn pruritus not relieved with cetirizine tablet were offered gabapentin and assessed for response by the numerically graded self-report questionnaire ‘Itch Severity Scale’ for 6?months. Treatment success was determined by reduction in the itch scores, which were statistically analysed. Twenty-three patients with post-burns pruritic hypertrophic scars were studied. All patients had history of delayed burn healing (over 3?weeks). Twenty patients completed follow-up. All 20 reported a reduction in itching with gabapentin. Mean reduction in itch severity was 4.99 (statistically significant) within the first month of starting the therapy, with sustained effect seen for the duration of treatment. No serious side effects were reported. Eighty-seven per cent of patients showed good relief from itching within 1?month of starting treatment. Overall quality of life improved considerably. Gabapentin is suggested as a protocol for second-line option in post-burn pruritus. The ‘Itch Severity Scale’ is a reliable tool for pruritus measurement, including subjective parameters.     

Intradialytic modulation of granulocyte C5a receptors.

Hemodialysis with new cellulosic membranes is associated with profound granulocytopenia, with a nadir 15 min after initiation, followed by a rebound leukocytosis seen 1 h after initiation and persisting up to the termination of dialysis. The rapid reversal of granulocytopenia during hemodialysis has previously been ascribed to down-regulation of granulocyte C5a receptors. In this report, a method of characterizing C5a receptors by using a novel probe consisting of C5a attached to biotin via a six-carbon spacer chain is described. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis and cation exchange HPLC demonstrated a biotin-to-C5a ratio of 1:1. Analysis of granulocyte cell surface C5a receptors were performed with the probe with a fluorescein-avidin conjugate and by using fluorescence flow cytometry. The maximum decrease in C5a receptors was measured at the 15-min sampling time, when the number of C5a receptor decreased from 189,240 +/- 24,500 predialysis to 160,740 +/- 19,380 receptors (P was not significant) at the nadir of granulocytopenia. However, during recovery from neutropenia, granulocyte cell surface C5a receptors increased to 172,140 +/- 19,380 at 30 min and 193,800 +/- 24,510 at the end of dialysis. Concentrations of C3a and C5a peaked at 15 min and declined rapidly thereafter, but both remained significantly above baseline at all times. These studies suggest that down-regulation of C5a receptors, which is seen maximally at 15 min after initiation of dialysis, does not sufficiently account for the reversal of granulocytopenia during hemodialysis.     

Comparative evaluation of oxidative and antioxidative capacity during high-flux hemodialysis using two different membranes

AIM: In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are increased. Apart from traditional and uremia-specific factors oxidative stress has been implicated as a main risk factor. This study investigated the influence of two different high-flux hemodialysis membranes on parameters of oxidative stress during a dialysis session. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 14 stable ESRD patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to high-flux hemodialysis using either a polyamide membrane (Polyflux 14; PA group) or a new polysulfone membrane (Diacap Polysulfone HI PS 15; PS group). All patients received 6 treatments with the same membrane. During the 5th treatment parameters of dialysis efficiency, biocompatibility (cell counts, complement C3a, thrombin-antithrombin complex) and oxidative stress (lipid peroxides, total antioxidative capacity) were measured. RESULTS: Parameters of dialysis efficiency and biocompatibility were similar in both treatment groups. At the beginning of the dialysis session both groups showed a low to moderate level of oxidative stress and a reduced total antioxidative capacity as compared to healthy controls. Both parameters deteriorated significantly during the extracorporeal procedure with a similar magnitude in both membrane groups. No correlation between oxidative or antioxidative capacity and parameters of biocompatibility or dialysis efficiency could be found. CONCLUSIONS: Dialysis with synthetic high-flux membranes induces a temporary deterioration of oxidative stress parameters in ESRD patients despite good dialysis efficiency and biocompatibility.