Serum beta-2-microglubuline (B-2-M) level in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) exceeds the normal values several times. It has been documented that changes in B-2-M concentration during haemodialysis (HD) are associated with the type of dialyser. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of a biocompatible polysulfone dialyser (low-flux) upon altered serum B-2-M concentration. The study included 25 CRF patients (mean age 44.6±2.5 years) who underwent 4-hour haemodialysis sessions three times per week. Acetate dialysing solution and polysulfone F-4 dialysers (Fresenius) were used; mean HD period was 17.9&olusm;8.2 months. B-2-M concentration was determined using the RIA method. No increase in serum B-2-M was noted with respect to the polysulfone dialyser. However, efficacy of low-flux polysulfone dialysers in removal of B-2-M is limited.

Keywords: chronic renal failure, haemodialysis, polysulfone dialysers, beta 2-microglobuline