Clinical outcomes for maintenance hemodialysis patients using a high-flux (FX60) dialyzer

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the clinical outcomes of maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients using a high-flux (FX60) dialyzer. Method: Thirty patients undergoing dialysis for at least 2 years with a low-flux dialyzer were switched to the FX60 dialyzer for 3 years. Clinical and biochemical analysis was performed monthly for each patient. The parameters monitored included blood pressure, hemoglobin, albumin, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium and phosphorus levels, the adequacy of dialysis (Kt/V), beta2-microglobulin (β2-MG) clearance rate, as well as antihypertensive and erythropoietin (EPO) medications. Results: After 3 years of dialysis with an FX60 dialyzer, the mean arterial blood pressure fell, hemoglobin increased, serum phosphate level decreased, iPTH declined and medication doses decreased. Conclusions: Dialysis with the FX60 dialyzer has a better clinical outcome for rectifying renal anemia, controlling hypertension and lowering serum phosphate levels making it a better choice for long-term HD patients.