Choice of dialysis membrane does not influence the outcome of residual renal function in haemodialysis patients

It has been recently proposed that haemodialysis membrane choicemay influence the maintenance of residual renal function. Theaim of the present study was to prospectively analyse the effectof membrane choice on the outcome of renal function in patientsentering a chronic haemodialysis programme. Twenty-two patientsfrom four hospitals have been randomly assigned to be dialysedwith either polysulphone(PSF)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) (groupA; n=9), or cuprophane membranes (group B; n=13). Basal andmonthly serum biochemistry, residual creatinine clearance (C_cr)and urine volume (Vu), pharmacological and dialytic treatment,diet, and haemodialysis-related complications were recorded.A significant decrease was observed in the two most relevantvariables, i.e. remnant C_cr and Vu, within 3 months of startinghaemodialysis, with stabilization during the further follow-up.Such decrease was similar (P NS) for both groups A and B throughoutthe 9-month observation period. In conclusion, our results suggest that the choice of haemodialysismembrane does not influence the outcome of the residual renalfunction. Renal function decreased significantly within 3 monthson haemodialysis, independently of the type of dialyser membrane.