β₂-Microglobulin clearance with super high flux hemodialysis: An ex vivo study

Background: β₂m accumulation induces disease in patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Thus, its removal from patients with ESRF appears desirable. Current dialysis technology, however, has limited effectiveness. Aims: To measure β₂m clearance with a novel super high flux membrane. Design: Ex vivo experimental study. Setting: Intensive Care Laboratory of Tertiary institution. Subjects: Six volunteers. Measurements and Results: At a blood flow of 300 ml/min, the clearance of β₂-MG increased from 113.5 ± 38.5 ml/min with a dialysate flow rate of 200 ml/min to 184.8 ± 61.1 ml/min with a flow rate of 300 ml/min and 195.0 ± 60.0 ml/min with a 500 ml/min flow rate. The clearance of albumin was 4.5 ml/min with a dialysate flow rate of 200 ml/min, 5.2 ml/min for a flow rate of 300 ml/min and 5.8 ml/min for a flow rate of 500 ml/min. Conclusions: High levels of β₂m clearance can be achieved with a super high flux membrane while albumin losses remain limited.