Purpose: In order to reduce the hemodialysis (HD)-induced pro-inflammatory activity we need to use a biocompatible dialysis membrane, avoid backfiltration and possibly use adsorbents. Hemodiafiltration reinfusion (HFR) is a new on-line hemodiafiltration (HDF) technique combining these aspects. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility of the single dialysis session comparing standard HD and HFR.
Methods: Eighteen patients on chronic HD were enrolled in five Centers. Patients underwent one standard and two HFR study sessions; in each session we evaluated leukocyte activation at 0, 5, 15, 60 and 240 min; and interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) levels at 0, 60 and 240 min.
Results: Leukocyte activation was similar in HD and HFR, while the post-dialysis IL-6 increase was lower with HFR; CRP levels were stable during HFR, but increased after HD, and IL-1Ra did not demonstrate any difference.
Conclusions: These preliminary data show that HFR still has a better biocompatibility in the single dialysis session.