title: A pilot, randomized, double-blind, cross-over study of high cut-off versus high-flux dialysis membranes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  High cut-off (HCO) membranes may increase beta(2)-microglobulin (beta2M) removal compared to standard high-flux membranes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight stable haemodialysis patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, cross-over study and treated with HCO and high-flux membranes for 2 weeks each, between a 1-week washout period. Primary end point was serum beta2M removal. Secondary end points included serum albumin concentrations, albumin and small solute clearances.
  
  
  RESULTS
  HCO membranes achieved significantly lower median post-dialysis beta2M concentration (10.8 vs. 14.2 mg/l; p = 0.003) and greater beta2M reduction ratio (62.3 vs. 51.0%; p < 0.002). Serum albumin decreased with HCO membranes (from 36 to 29.5 g/l; p = 0.018) but increased to 33.5 g/l after the washout period. Albumin clearance was significantly greater with HCO membranes (2.2 vs. 0.06 ml/min; p = 0.004). Urea reduction ratio was significantly lower with HCO membranes (64.8 vs. 71.5%; p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  beta2M removal was superior with HCO membranes. Reduction in serum albumin and lower small solute clearance require further investigations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrology, Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haase
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haase-Fielitz
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Paizis
authors.forename: Hermann
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Goehl
authors.forename: Rinaldo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bellomo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012709:Serum Albumin; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin