High-flux dialysis membranes improve lipid profile in chronic hemodialysis patients

In a controlled prospective trial, the effect of a switch from cellulose-based, low-flux dialysis membranes to polysulphone, high-flux membranes on lipid parameters was evalualed. Baseline values of lipid parameters were identical in the study group and the control group in which the dialysis membrane remained unchanged. After 6 wk, total triglyceride, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride, and VLDL cholesterol decreased, respectively, 28 ± 17 (P < 0.01), 38 ± 17 (P < 0.01), and 24 ± 21% (P < 0.05), and the proportion of total cholesterol that was high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased from 15 ± 5 to 18 ± 5% (P < 0.05) in the high-flux polysulphone group, whereas these variables remained unchanged in the control group. Low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol as well as Kt/V, protein catabolic rate, parathyroid hormone, albumin, and body weight did not change. No change in lipoprotein lipase activity was found. In a second study, the effects of a single hemodialysis session with high-flux polysulphone and low-flux, cellulose-based membranes on lipid parameters and lipolytic activity were compared in a crossover fashion. Treatment with both membranes resulted in a significant decrease in plasma triglyceride, VLDL triglyceride, and VLDL cholesterol. Lipoprotein lipase activity increased during hemodialysis. Changes in lipid parameters and lipolytic activity were identical during the two treatments. These data indicate a favorable change in lipid parameters after the switch from low-flux, cellulose-based to high-flux, polysulphone dialysis membranes that appeared not to be caused by an enhancement of lipoprotein lipase activity. Changes are of similar magnitude as can be obtained with dietary and pharmacologic treatments.