Haemofiltration or haemodialysis in aluminium elimination?

Elimination of aluminium from the body during haemodialysis and haemofiltration was investigated. Without desferrioxamine administration there was no aluminium removal from the body. After DFO administration (1 g intravenously 24-40 h before dialysis or haemofiltration) removal of aluminium during blood purification methods was achieved. During haemodialysis (n = 28, cuprophane plate dialyser with urea clearance 150 ml/min, 5 h) serum aluminium decreased by 41%. Aluminium clearance was 28 ml/min. During haemofiltration (n = 36, polyamide FH 77, volume exchange 60% of body-weight, on-line system) serum aluminium decreased by 66% and a total of 1962 micrograms of aluminium was removed during one procedure. In the 60th minute of the procedure, calculated clearance was 42 mmol/l. Because of the rebound phenomenon it is reasonable to perform two haemofiltrations after a single dose of DFO. Haemofiltration is superior to haemodialysis in aluminium removal from the body.