Complement activation and serum beta-glucuronidase level during hemodialysis.

Peripheral white blood cell counts, complement and serum beta-glucuronidase activity were examined in 15 chronic hemodialysis patients, ranging in age from 8 to 10 years, precisely at initiation of dialysis, at 15 min after the initiation and at the end of the dialysis. At the initiation of dialysis, a rapid decline of neutrophils from the predialysis value was observed. The complement C3 level fell simultaneously but C4 was not changed. We have observed that the complement activation which follows hemodialysis is accompanied by a rise in the activities of plasma beta-glucuronidase. A rise in the serum beta-glucuronidase level was considered to be the result of complement activation and leukopenia. Granulocytopenia significantly increased the risk of infection of hemodialysis.