[Treatment of chronic renal insufficiency by hemofiltration. Clinical experiences during the first year of utilization in Geneva].

Seven ESRD patients were treated by hemofiltration (HF) for 3--4 months using an experimental HF machine and RP6 filters (Hospal). Ultrafiltration flow was 56--85 ml/min. Data of this treatment period were compared with a similar period of customary hemodialysis (HD). With HF, blood creatinine was identical but BUN was higher than with HD. Hematocrit, plasma sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatases, uric acid, and cholesterol did not differ during the two periods. HF did not produce a significant lowering of blood pressure. Clinical tolerance was markedly better with HF.