In vivo removal of high- and low-molecular-weight compounds in hemodiafiltration with on-line regeneration of ultrafiltrate

Background: Current methods of renal replacement therapy, combining convection and diffusion, are largely unsatisfactory in removing uremic toxins. Adsorption is a third mechanism that has been applied in extracorporeal therapy. This study evaluates the impact of hemodiafiltration with on-line regeneration of ultrafiltrate, a new two-step integrated sorbent system, on in vivo removal of a wide spectrum of solutes with different molecular weights.

Methods: Pre- and post-dialysis concentrations of small, medium-size, and large molecules were determined in ten patients undergoing regular hemodiafiltration treatments with on-line regeneration of the ultrafiltrate. We also analyzed, at different times of the same dialysis session, the inlet and outlet ultrafiltrate; the latter had been regenerated by the sorbent cartridge and was used as reinfusion liquid. The mean dialysis time was 260 +/- 21.2 min with a blood flow of 361 +/- 33.3 ml/min and a reinjection volume of 3.6 +/- 0.2 l/h.

Results: Urea, creatinine and phosphate reduction ratio were respectively 69.8 +/- 8.2, 61.9 +/- 5.5, and 40.2 +/- 17.3%. Removal of medium-size markers such as calcitonin, osteocalcin, beta2-microglobulin, cystatin C, myoglobin and prolactin varied between 24 and 60%. The percentage of reduction for retinol binding protein and alpha1-microglobulin was negligible and we were unable to demonstrate any removal of alpha1-acid glycoprotein, pre-albumin, and albumin in the regenerated ultrafiltrate.

Conclusion: The hemodiafiltration with on-line regeneration of ultrafiltrate is a new hemodialysis system, which allows uremic toxin removal over a wide molecular-weight spectrum.