In vitro studies on hirudin elimination by haemofiltration: comparison of three high-flux membranes.

Background: Recombinant hirudin (r-hirudin) is a highly selective thrombin inhibitor used for anticoagulation in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II. R-hirudin is increasingly applied to patients with renal failure and on renal replacement therapy. Since kidney function impairment strongly prolongs r-hirudin elimination half-life, severe accumulation and bleeding complications may occur.