Immunologic alterations associated with chronic hemodialysis.

Parameters of humoral immunity were studied in 18 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. IgG, IgA and IgM serum levels presented no differences compared with healthy donors. High immunoglobulins levels were found in 40 patients with chronic renal failure and conservative treatment. Complement components C1q, C4, C9, were normal, but C3 and C3A were significantly low prior to dialysis. During hemodialysis, the complement system showed an activation by the alternative pathway (AP). The cuprophan membrane was proved to be an important factor in this activation. The circulating immune complexes (CIC) were also high. Seven patients presented autoantibodies, 2 against smooth muscle and 5 against gastric parietal cells. Our results suggested a certain humoral immune alteration during chronic hemodialysis.