Biocompatibility and hemodynamic studies during polycarbonate versus cuprophane membrane dialysis.

A new noncellulosic membrane (polycarbonate) has been tested in terms of biocompatibility and hemodynamic tolerance. The following results were obtained: The polycarbonate membrane manufactured by Gambro Hechingen induces activation of the complement system (slight decrease of CH50 and C3, no increase of C5a) to lower extent and causes a less severe leukopenia than the cuprophane membrane. During dialysis with the polycarbonate membrane hypoxemia does not occur and the pulmonary vascular resistances and pulmonary arterial pressure remain stable. The good biocompatibility of the polycarbonate membrane allows a better outcome of hemodialysis treatments.