Evaluation of novel sorbent systems for joint hemodialysis and hemoperfusion.

Hemodialysis is not very effective at removing middle molecular weight species and certain drugs such as salicylates and barbiturates. Carbon hemoperfusion is ineffective in removing urea and water, even when coated microparticles can be generated. To use the advantages of hemodialysis and carbon hemoperfusion without their disadvantages, cuprophan tubular membranes and fibers containing activated carbon have been manufactured. A device called the Hemocarbodialyser, consisting of a sorbent and dialyzing carbon membrane wound onto a coli dialyzer, has been evaluated by the authors. From preliminary results, the Hemocarbodialyser has been shown to be efficient at removing vitamin B12, has high ultrafiltration, and has high dialysance of creatinine and uric acid. The use of activated carbon and aluminum oxide fibers was also evaluated, indicating that fibers containing sorbents, as well as the Hemocarbodialyser, may have clinical importance in the near future, when joint hemodialysis and hemoperfusion is required in hepatic failure, uremia, and acute poisoning.