A Pilot, Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Study of High Cut-Off versus High-Flux Dialysis Membranes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: High cut-off (HCO) membranes may increase beta(2)-microglobulin (beta2M) removal compared to standard high-flux membranes. METHODS: Eight stable haemodialysis patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, cross-over study and treated with HCO and high-flux membranes for 2 weeks each, between a 1-week washout period. Primary end point was serum beta2M removal. Secondary end points included serum albumin concentrations, albumin and small solute clearances. RESULTS: HCO membranes achieved significantly lower median post-dialysis beta2M concentration (10.8 vs. 14.2 mg/l; p = 0.003) and greater beta2M reduction ratio (62.3 vs. 51.0%; p < 0.002). Serum albumin decr..