Clinical investigation of the new dialyzer Gambro PRO-3.

A new plate dialyzer, Gambro PRO-3, with a polycarbonate-polyether membrane (Gambrane) was tested. The membrane thickness is 16 micron and the dialyzer surface area 0.77 m2. 11 regular hemodialysis patients who were treated 3 times per week were studied and 32 dialyses were performed. Clearances of urea, creatinine, uric acid and inorganic phosphate at different blood flows were measured early and late in dialysis. Pulse rate and blood pressure were observed. Ultrafiltration rate and the residual blood volume were also measured. The performance of the dialyzer with regard to clearances was similar to that of the standard GLP 11.5 micron but inorganic phosphate clearance was slightly higher in PRO-3. The ultrafiltration of PRO-3 is about the same as for the GLP 11.5 micron dialyzer. No membrane leaks were observed, neither any adverse reactions in the patients.