转BMP-7软骨细胞在Matrigel胶支架中修复兔膝关节软骨缺损的实验研究

[目的]研究骨形态发生蛋白(bone morphogenic protein,BMP-7)在构建 Matrigel 胶支架软骨膜块修复关节软骨缺损中的作用.[方法]将软骨细胞种植于 Matrigel 胶支架上,体外培养,在培养系统中加入 BMP-7,观察软骨细胞在支架中的繁殖以及载体降解情况;将培养出的软骨膜块植入于动物关节软骨缺损模型中进行定期观测(4周).[结果]Matrigel 胶支架可满足组织工程软骨修复需要,BMP-7 在用于构建膜块修复关节软骨缺损模型中可促进软骨细胞增殖,并在植入 4 周动物试验中发现与对照组比较在关节软骨缺损修复质量上有显著性差异(P<0.01).[结论]BMP-7 在 Matrigel 胶软骨膜块中可明显促进组织工程软骨膜块构建以及关节软骨缺损的修复.     

微粒骨膜-三维支架修复大面积关节软骨缺损

目的 探讨微粒骨膜-三维支架修复大面积关节软骨缺损的有效性和可行性.方法 于兔股骨滑车关节面制作直径4.5 mm深达软骨下骨板的全层软骨缺损模型,缺损处随机行自体微粒骨膜-纤维蛋白混凝物、单纯纤维蛋白"浇铸"移植.分别于术后3 h、4 d及1、2、4、8、12、24周取材,行大体观察、苏木素.伊红(HE)、Masson及藏红花(safranin-0)染色组织学检查,并进行组织学评分半定量分析.结果 微粒骨膜.三维支架制备简便.微粒骨膜被均匀种植于纤维蛋白三维支架中,可随意"浇铸"充填骨软骨缺损,移植物不易脱落,手术1次完成.术后微粒骨膜在缺损空间内全方位迅速增殖、分化、分泌基质完成缺损骨软骨修复.新生软骨具有与周围正常软骨基本一致的厚度、细胞形态及排列、基质胶原及蛋白多糖染色,且与周边软骨及软骨下骨结合良好.术后4、8、12及24周,两组组织学评分差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 该方法能简单高效地构建工程化组织复合体,随意浇铸充填软骨缺损,完成较大面积关节软骨缺损的生物性修复.     

纤维蛋白凝胶和脱钙骨基质支架材料复合软骨细胞修复兔膝关节软骨缺损的实验研究

目的：探讨纤维蛋白凝胶和脱钙骨基质支架材料复合软骨细胞作为软骨组织工程支架的可行性及有效性,并为后续研究可注射性材料做基础。方法：体外分离培养软骨细胞后接种到纤维蛋白凝胶和脱钙骨基质支架材料体外培养4周,然后植入兔膝关节软骨缺损区继续培养4、8、12周后取材,分别行大体、组织学、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学观察。并进行Wakitani评分,观察其体内修复关节缺损效果。结果：大体观察4周后,实验组软骨缺损区可有乳白色组织修复,12周可修复完全,并无明显凹凸感。光镜下8周可见大量软骨细胞修复,并在TB染色下见Ⅱ型胶原比4周时明显增多。12周时软骨陷窝结构形成,细胞形态排列及Ⅱ型胶原与正常软骨组织相近。结论：纤维蛋白凝胶和脱钙骨基质支架材料复合软骨细胞可以作为软骨组织工程支架材料,能够用于再生修复软骨的缺损。并为构建可注射性修复材料提供途径。     

利用脂肪干细胞构建组织工程软骨修复兔膝关节软骨缺损

目的探讨以脂肪于细胞（ADSCs）复合脱细胞软骨基质支架构建组织工程软骨修复兔膝关节软骨缺损的效果。方法以人关节软骨脱细胞基质为支架，复合经诱导的兔ADSCs，体外分别经静态培养和生物反应器培养，构建组织工程软骨。对膝全厚关节缺损进行修复，并与单支架组、空白对照组比较，其中空白对照组12个关节，脱细胞软骨支架组16个关节，静态培养细胞支架组24个关节，生物反应器培养细胞支架组8个关节。分别于术后3、6个月对修复关节进行大体、组织学及免疫组化观察。结果实际完成观察的关节数为44个，其中空白对照组9个，脱细胞软骨支架组11个，静态培养细胞支架组18个，生物反应器培养细胞支架组6个。空白对照组全为纤维组织或纤维软骨样修复；单支架组5个关节为未成熟透明软骨，无成熟透明软骨形成；静态培养细胞支架组83．3％为透明软骨，其中3个关节为成熟透明软骨，12个关节为未成熟透明软骨；生物反应器培养细胞支架组100％为透明软骨，其中2个为成熟透明软骨，4个为未成熟透明软骨。Wakitani评分各组差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论ADSCs复合脱细胞软骨基质支架能良好地修复兔膝关节全厚软骨缺损，应用生物反应器技术有助于构建组织工程软骨，促进软骨缺损的修复。     

组织工程技术修复同种异体兔关节软骨缺损实验研究

目的：探讨关节软骨缺损治疗的新途径。方法：把几丁糖作为软骨细胞培养的支架。将几丁糖与软骨细胞一起体外培养,然后移植修复同种异体兔的膝关节软骨缺损,并对关节软骨的修复过程进行术后16周大体、组织学、电镜观察及修复组织厚度测定。结果：几丁糖无纺网在术后2周开始降解吸收,术后10-12周完全吸收;术后第16周在实验侧关节软骨缺损处可见成熟的透明软骨,软骨缺损得到完全修复。结论：几丁糖泊生物学特性符合组织工程中对细胞培养支架的要求;几个糖负载软骨细胞移植修复同种异体兔膝关节软骨缺损,兔膝关节全层软骨缺损得到成功修复。为临床上关节软骨缺损的治疗提供了可能的途径。     

骨形成蛋白2基因修饰的骨髓基质细胞与纤维蛋白复合物修复兔关节软骨缺损

目的 研究骨形成蛋白2（bone mophogenetic protein2，BMP-2）重组腺病毒（adenovirus）转染骨髓基质细胞（mesenchymal stem cells，MSCs）后，与纤维蛋白凝胶构成的复合物（Ad—BMP-2＋MSCs-纤维蛋白凝胶）对兔关节软骨缺损修复的影响。方法 ①AdBMP-2转染原代培养的MSCs，通过RT—PCR、细胞免疫组织化学染色、甲苯胺蓝染色等观察转染后3～9d的MSCs其BMP-2、Ⅱ型胶原及蛋白多糖转录、表达水平的变化。②转染后的MSCs种植于纤维蛋白凝胶，在体外培养1～9d，通过上述指标及透射电镜观察三维培养条件下其软骨基质的产生。③42只日本大耳白兔先制成直径4．5mm全层软骨缺损模型，随机分为3组（n=14）：A组为Ad—BMP-2＋MSCs-纤维蛋白凝胶修复组，B组为MSCs-纤维蛋白凝胶修复组，C组为空白对照组。术后4、8和12周取材行大体观察、HE染色、甲苯胺蓝染色、Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学及12周关节软骨弹性常数检测。结果 ①Ad—BMP-2转基因MSCs的BMP-2、Ⅱ型胶原mRNART—PCR检测分别在3、5d呈阳性，与对照组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。②转基因MSCs三维培养物免疫组织化学和甲苯胺蓝染色呈阳性，电镜显示细胞生长良好，有基质合成。③A组各时间点大体、组织形态学和组织化学染色均显著优于B组和C组，12周时力学和组织学已接近正常关节软骨。结论 Ad—BMP-2能通过促进MSCs分泌BMP-2，诱导Ⅱ型胶原和蛋白多糖的表达，在纤维蛋白三维支架中形成软骨基质，移植入兔关节软骨缺损区可修复直径4．5mm缺损，其修复组织成分接近正常软骨。     

自体骨髓间充质干细胞复合壳聚糖/羟基磷灰石支架修复兔膝骨软骨缺损

目的 探讨骨髓间充质干细胞(bone mesenehymal stem cells,BMSCs)复合壳聚糖(chitosan,CS)/羟基磷灰石(hydmxyapatite,HA)支架修复兔膝关节局部骨软骨缺损.方法 选健康日本大耳白兔36只,2～3月龄,体重1.7～2.0 kg,每只抽取自体骨髓4～6ml,体外分离培养BMSCs后以2×107/ml密度植于CS/HA支架上体外培养10 h,制成BMSCs-CS/HA支架复合物.将36只实验动物手术制成右膝股骨外侧髁负重区骨缺损模型后,随机分成A、B、C 3组,每组12只.A组植入BMSCs-CS/HA复合物,B组植入单纯CS/HA支架;C组不作任何植入,为空白对照组.分别于术后6周、12周各处死6只动物,取材后进行大体、组织学观察6根据改良Wakitani评分标准进行评分,评估软骨组织的修复情况,并行成组设计方差分析.结果 A组术后6周即可重建关节软骨缺损;修复软骨在观察期内逐渐变厚,软骨下骨有少量骨修复;术后12周透明软骨样修复,表面光整,与周围软骨色泽相近,软骨下骨有部分修复.而B组和C组12周时缺损区仍为纤维软骨样纤维组织修复,色泽浅黄.术后6、12周各组组织学半定量评分显示:股骨髁负重区修复A组评分明显优于B、C组(F=27.26,P＜0.05).结论 自体BMSCs复合CS/HA支架在体内环境下可形成透明软骨修复兔膝关节负重区骨软骨缺损.     

模拟微重力环境下层状修复体与软骨细胞复合培养的实验研究

[目的]探讨模拟微重力作为软骨组织工程培养方法的作用和胶原/壳聚糖/β-磷酸三钙(trical ciumphosphate,TCP)层状梯度修复体作为关节软骨组织工程支架的可行性.[方法]体外培养新西兰大白兔关节软骨细胞并扩增,吸附于多孔胶原/壳聚糖/β-磷酸三钙层状梯度修复体上,模拟微重力和普通环境下三维立体分别培养3周,通过生长曲线、倒置相差显微镜、组织学、扫描电镜及免疫组织化学检测微重力对软骨细胞培养的影响和支架在三维立体培养对软骨细胞的表型、增殖及功能的影响.[结果]软骨细胞/修复体体外培养3周,软骨细胞模拟微重力培养组明显比普通培养组在层状修复体上分布均匀,修复体中心软骨细胞数量明显较多,并分泌细胞基质,包裹在软骨细胞周围,Ⅱ型胶原免疫组织化学染色阳性.[结论]模拟微重力环境有利于软骨细胞在三维支架上的均匀增殖,有望成为软骨组织工程中的一种重要培养方法;胶原/壳聚糖/β-磷酸三钙层状梯度修复体,细胞相容性良好,有望成为一种比较理想的关节软骨组织工程支架材料.     

培养软骨移植修复关节软骨缺损的实验研究

目的：为探讨一种新的关节软骨缺损修复方法。方法：将体外培养２周形成软骨样组织,移植修复兔关节软骨全层缺损。于移植术后２、４、８周分别行功能评价、大体形态及组织学检查。结果：全部实验兔于术后２周内恢复正常活动。２周时移植修复组织由非成熟透明软骨组成。４周时部分移植组出现成熟透明软骨。８周时移植组关节软骨缺损全部由成熟透明软骨充填修复,修复组织与邻近关节软骨融合。培养软骨移植修复关节软骨全层缺损明显优于自身修复（Ｐ＜００１）。结论：本实验提示使用具有高有丝分裂率的软骨细胞,经离心管培养形成骺软骨样组织,植入关节软骨全层缺损后,软骨细胞生长良好,逐渐成熟和转化,能发挥良好的修复作用。     

双相支架负载软骨细胞修复兔关节软骨缺损

目的研究自固化磷酸钙/纤维蛋白凝胶(CPC/FG)双相支架负载软骨细胞修复兔关节软骨缺损的可行性和有效性.方法将分离培养的第3代软骨细胞包埋在CPC/FG双相支架的FG中,体外培养1周后,将软骨细胞-支架复合体移植修复兔膝关节股骨髁的软骨缺损(φ4 mm,深3.5 mm,达软骨下骨质).然后对软骨缺损的修复情况进行大体、光镜和电镜观察.同时对移植后第12周的修复软骨进行胶原含量测定,并与正常的关节软骨细胞胶原含量进行比较.结果移植的软骨细胞能在双相支架上良好地生长,软骨缺损以透明软骨的形式被修复,而对照组为纤维组织修复.多孔自固化磷酸钙在软骨修复过程中能起软骨下骨的临时替代作用.胶原含量测定显示:移植术后12周的修复软骨胶原含量为(43.25±0.85)%;正常的关节软骨胶原含量为(55.69±0.76)%,两者差异有显著性(P<0.01).结论 CPC/FG双相支架负载软骨细胞能以透明软骨的形式修复兔关节软骨缺损.新环境中移植的软骨细胞生长的不适应和FG降解过快,可能是导致新生修复软骨与自身正常关节软骨胶原含量有差异的原因.     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.