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7555973 
Journal Article 
A comparison of low-flux cellulose acetate and polysulfone dialyzers: Impact on plasma lipid concentration in chronic hemodialysis patients 
Kovacic, V; Roguljic, L; Kovacic, V 
2003 
0 
Dialysis & Transplantation
ISSN: 0090-2934 
32 
9 
552-+ 
WOS:000185043700005 
Purpose. Patients on chronic hemodialysis have plasma lipid abnormalities. The effect of low-flux membranes on the plasma lipids is controversial. We undertook a study to examine the effects on lipid profiles between two low-flux dialysis membranes with similar characteristics but different compositions. Subjects & Methods. Subjects consisted of 23 anuric patients. For the first 9 months, all subjects were dialyzed with a cellulose acetate low-flux dialyzer (Plivadial 18, Pliva, Zagreb, Croatia); for the last 9 months, they were switched to a polysulfone low-flax dialyzer (Fresenius F6, Fresenius, Bad Homburg, Germany). Blood samples were taken 6 times, in 3-month intervals. Results. Significant differences were found in plasma lipid concentrations between the cellulose and polysulfone dialysis groups with regard to the following: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), 1.07 +/- 0.24 us. 1.41 +/- 0.48 mmol/L (p = 0.001); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), 3.37 +/- 0.85 vs. 2.76 +/- 1.01 mmol/L (p = 0.002); total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio, 5.17 +/- 1.51 vs. 4.08 +/- 1.87 (p = 0.005); and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, 3.38 +/- 1.42 vs. 2.37 +/- 1.56 (p = 0.001). Significant differences were also found following sequential lipid testing of six samples taken throughout the study period with regard to: plasma cholesterol concentration (p = 0.001), HDL-C concentration (p = 0.015), LDL-C concentration (p = 0.001), total cholesterol/HDL ratio (p = 0.022), and LDL/HDL ratio (p = 0.023). Conclusion. The data demonstrate improvements in the lipid parameters (decreases in LDL-C and total cholesterol, and increases in HDL-C) after switching from cellulose acetate to polysulfone dialyzers. The choice of dialyzer membrane may have an effect on plasma lipids and the atherogenic process.