Biocompatibility of dialysis membranes: effects of chronic complement activation.

The ability of three dialysis membranes (cuprophane, cellulose acetate, and polymethylmethacrylate) to activate complement was studied prospectively in ten chronic dialysis patients using new and reused membranes. Patients were dialyzed for 1 month with each type of membrane. New cuprophane membranes caused the most intense activation, while polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) surfaces caused the least degree of complement activation. Reuse decreases the capacity of the cuprophane membrane to activate complement but does not significantly alter the capacity of cellulose acetate membranes. The extent of complement activation paralleled the ability of these membranes to induce neutropenia. Recurrent dialysis with new cuprophane and cellulose acetate membranes leads to a decrease in pre-dialysis and "rebound leukocytosis" neutrophil count, as well as a more intense activation of complement and an enhanced endogenous clearance of products of complement activation. The clinical sequelae of recurrent complement activation are discussed.