Choice of dialysis membrane does not influence the outcome of residual renal function in haemodialysis patients

Abstract

It has been recently proposed that haemodialysis membrane choice may influence the maintenance of residual renal function. The aim of the present study was to prospectively analyse the effect of membrane choice on the outcome of renal function in patients entering a chronic haemodialysis programme. Twenty-two patients from four hospitals have been randomly assigned to be dialysed with either polysulphone (PSF)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) (group A; n = 9), or cuprophane membranes (group B; n = 13). Basal and monthly serum biochemistry, residual creatinine clearance (Ccr) and urine volume (Vu), pharmacological and dialytic treatment, diet, and haemodialysis-related complications were recorded. A significant decrease was observed in the two most relevant variables, i.e. remnant Ccr and Vu, within 3 months of starting haemodialysis, with stabilization during the further follow-up. Such decrease was similar (P NS) for both groups A and B throughout the 9-month observation period. In conclusion, our results suggest that the choice of haemodialysis membrane does not influence the outcome of the residual renal function. Renal function decreased significantly within 3 months on haemodialysis, independently of the type of dialyser membrane.