Silicon transfer during haemodialysis.

Silicon transfers were examined during haemodialysis (HD) in 120 chronic HD patients who received 5-hour dialyses 3 times a week. Si levels were measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Ultrafiltrable Si levels approximately equalled dialysate Si levels. Serum Si levels before HD significantly increased in all patients and total protein values were also high. It is concluded that serum Si levels increasing with time during HD with cellulose acetate or cuprophan is due to haemoconcentration and liberation from the silicon rubber tube.