Temperature effect on bilirubin adsorption with the anion exchange resin BR-601.

Plasma perfusion with the anion exchange resin BR-601 is an effective method to treat patients with hepatic failure and hyperbilirubinemia. To assess the temperature dependency of bilirubin sorption in vitro, isotherm studies with human pathologic plasmas and an albumin-bilirubin solution were carried out. Results showed that BR-601 was more effective at 37 degrees C and 42 degrees C than at 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C for sorbing bilirubin. Therefore, plasma sorption at near physiologic temperature would be expected to be more efficient for plasma treatment than sorption at ambient temperature.