Inadequate clearance of small molecular weight solutes during hemofiltration using Cuprophan membranes.

Abstract

In a study of four patients treated with one hour of hemofiltration using Cuprophan membranes, followed by three hours of dialysis, it was found that patients will have reduced clearances of small molecular weight solutes. This may be prevented by increasing blood flow rates to compensate for the time spent in hemofiltration. Cuprophan membranes do not clear middle molecular weight solutes as well as other membranes, but fluid removal is comparable to that reported by other investigators using more porous membranes.