Evaluation of a dialyzer reuse system in a developing country

Abstract

Dialyzer reuse affords a means of reducing the cost of hemodialysis with little risk, but surprisingly not widely practised in Nigeria. To provide an evaluation of a simply constructed dialyzer reprocessing system, we measured dialyzer blood compartment volume loss dialyzer urea clearance in 21 patients during reuse to determine the viability of the proc Cuprophan hollow fibre dialyzers were used. Mean dialyzer blood volume decreased from 46.4 +/- 1.5 ml on first use to 35.5 +/- 1.3 mL on fifth use, though fourth and fifth uses were obtainable in only 9 and 2 cases respectively. Three uses were obtainable in all 21 cases. Mean dialyzer urea clearance fell from 144+/-8 ml/min to 140+/-5 nL on third use, and 135+/-7 mL/min on fifth use against the rated value of 160mL/min. Patient side effects were minimal. Dialyzer membrane rupture occurred in 5 cases during the fourth use. There was 80% reduction in cost of mater on reuse. The study establishes the viability and safety of a reuse system in a developing count using a locally constructed reuse device.