Effects of dialyzer reuse on dialysis adequacy, anemia control, erythropoieting-stimulating agents use and phosphate level.

Abstract

Almost 50 years have passed since the first time the concept of dialyzer reuse in hemodialyzed patients was introduced for primarily economic reasons [1]. Hemodialyzers are labeled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) as single use only. In recognition of the widespread practice of reuse in the United States, in 1996 the FDA required manufacturers to label dialyzers for multiple use and to back up this claim with data showing that the performance of the dialyzer is sustained over multiple uses [2]. In Poland there is also a tendency to stop the reuse of dialyzers. There are three major concerns with reuse: the risk of infection; biochemical and immunologic effects; and loss of performance with impairment in clearance and/or ultrafiltration [3].