The use of hemoperfusion as an adjunct to hemodialysis.

Studies are reported on the use of short dialysis, sequential ultrafiltration/short dialysis and hemoperfusion in chronic renal failure. Short dialysis (less than 12 hours/week) is a satisfactory regime with good patient acceptance, adequate small and middle molecule clearance and control of fluid and blood pressure. Sequential ultrafiltration in the first hour improves fluid removal and reduces the side effects of dialysis. The addition of hemoperfusion increases clearance of small and middle molecules and has little effect on the osmolality of the serum. Thus, it does not increase the side effects of dialysis. Preliminary results suggest that hemoperfusion may be useful in the treatment of chronic renal failure in combination with ultrafiltration and dialysis.