Comparative studies on the effect of hemoperfusion and hemodialysis on the elimination of some uremic toxins

Abstract

This study, performed on patients with terminal renal failure, compares the changes in plasma concentrations of middle molecules, myoinositol, low molecular weight metabolites, and blood components during 4 hour periods of hemodialysis and hemoperfusion over a charcoal cartridge. After hemoperfusion there is a more marked decrease of adsorbable substances such as middle molecules, creatinine, and uric acid, whereas after hemodialysis there is a greater change in serum concentrations of myoinositol, urea, and electrolytes. The findings show that although hemoperfusion over a charcoal cartridge cannot replace hemodialysis in the treatment of chronic renal failure, it is effective as a complementary method, because of the better removal of some uremic toxins.