ABSTRACT
The influence of cuprophan and polysulfone membranes on dialyzer reuse and intradialytic complications was examined in patients receiving chronic haemodialysis. Mean uses were 2.7 +/- 1.3 S.D. and 2.2 +/- 1.0 S.D. for cuprophan and polysulfone respectively (P < 0.001). 20.8% and 35.5% of cuprophan and polysulfone dialyzers respectively did not survive first use (X(2) = 17.4, P < 0.001), being unsuitable for further use. The most common number of uses obtainable was 3 for each type. 2.6% of cuprophan but none of the polysulfone dialyzers were usable over 5 times. Hypotension occurred in 12% and 29% of dialyses with cuprophan and polysulfone dialyzers (P < 0.001), and the difference persisted, but the frequency in each membrane group decreased, with reuse (P < 0.001). First use reactions occurred in 9.5% and 3.9% of dialyses with cuprophan and polysulfone respectively (P < 0.001), and the difference was not affected by reuse (P > 0.1), but the frequency decreased in each group (P < 0.001). Clotting of the dialyzer occurred in 2.2% and 1.9% of cases respectively (P > 0.5), diminished with reuse of cuprophan (P < 0.001), but not with polysulfone (P > 0.5). Cuprophan membrane was more reuseable and was associated with fewer episodes of hypotension, while polysulfone was associated with fewer episodes of first use reactions. Rational choice of membranes can be made during haemodialysis.
