Randomized investigation of increased dialyzer membrane hydrophilicity on hemocompatibility and performance.

Background: Hemodialyzers should efficiently eliminate small and middle molecular uremic toxins and possess exceptional hemocompatibility to improve well-being of patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, performance and hemocompatibility get compromised during treatment due to adsorption of plasma proteins to the dialyzer membrane. Increased membrane hydrophilicity reduces protein adsorption to the membrane and was implemented in the novel FX CorAL dialyzer.

Effect of plasmapheresis on serum beta-endorphin levels.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of plasmapheresis on serum beta-endorphin (BE) levels.

Method: The serum BE levels of 12 patients with various autoimmune or hematological disorders were monitored during plasmapheresis therapy.

Results: BE levels increased after the initial session in 8 of 12 patients; in the remaining 4 patients no change (n = 2) or a decline (n = 2) in BE levels was found.