Evaluation of a new polyamide membrane (Polyflux 130) in high-flux dialysis.

Removal of beta 2-microglobulin has become a major objective of dialysis therapy. The present study was performed to evaluate both compatibility and elimination capacity for beta 2-microglobulin of a newly developed high-flux polyamide membrane (Polyflux 130) during hemodialysis. The degree of leukopenia was moderate (-22%) and comparable with Polysulfone 600 (-25%). C3a desarg generation had a tendency to be lower with the Polyflux 130 membrane, and C5a desarg formation was identical with both types of membranes. As for degranulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, plasma elastase levels increased by 209% with Polyflux 130 and by 160% with Polysulfone 600 membranes. Likewise, plasma lactoferrin values rose during hemodialysis by 233% (Polyflux 130) and 160% (Polysulfone 600). The differences between membranes, however, were statistically not significant. There was a sharp drop in the serum levels of beta 2-microglobulin during dialysis with both membranes (Polyflux 130: -46%; Polysulfone 600: -48%). Accordingly, sieving coefficients were calculated to be 0.77 +/- 0.06 for Polyflux 130 and 0.80 +/- 0.06 for the Polysulfone 600 membrane. Both membranes were capable to remove large quantities of beta 2-microglobulin, amounting to 235 +/- 11 and 250 +/- 10 mg/4 h of dialysis for Polyflux 130 and Polysulfone 600, respectively.