Blood-membrane interactions during haemodialysis with cellulose and synthetic membranes.

Haemodialysis is associated with transient leucopenia, hypoxia and activation of the patient's complement system, mediated by blood-membrane contact. Changes in white blood cell counts, blood gases (PaO2 and PaCO2), carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) and complement activation (C3d and C3a) were measured pre-treatment and during dialysis. The degree of complement activation, leucopenia and changes in DLCO were influenced by membrane type; these changes were most marked for cellulosic membranes and were much reduced for synthetic membranes. A significant relationship between the degree of leucopenia and the magnitude of change in DLCO during dialysis was demonstrated.