Hemodialysis with two sequential hemodialyzers.
OBJECTIVE
The principal aims of the new hemodialysis methods are: a short-time dialysis session, the increase of solute removal, the patient's well-being and, when possible, the reduction of global costs. Other researchers have experimented the simultaneous use of two hemodialyzers in hemodialysis. We tested a new technique which involves the use of two Cuprophan hemodialyzers in sequence (double filter system: DFS), each one connected separately to fresh dialysate.


METHODS
We treated 15 large patients with DFS and compared the results with conventional hemodialysis (CHD).


RESULTS
Our results showed a significant difference between CHD and DFS in the depuration values. After the first hemodialyzer, modification of pH and electrolytes occurred in the plasma composition. In the second hemodialyzer, urea depuration occurred without further significant changes in hydroelectrolytic and acid-basic plasma patterns. The Kt/V increased from 1.10 to 1.29 (18%).


CONCLUSIONS
Our technique is conceived for the following goal: to increase the diffusion of solution without increasing costs and side effects.
Splendiani
G
G
Department of Nephrology, 'Tor Vergata University', Rome, Italy. splendiani@med.uniroma2.it
Zazzaro
D
D
Tullio
T
T
Colombo
R
R
Violante
A
A
Beciani
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D015312:Hemodialysis Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors
D015312:Hemodialysis Solutions