Adsorption of Bilirubin by Direct Hemoperfusion Using Macroporous Polymer Beads.

Abstract

To remove bilirubin from blood by direct hemoperfusion, polymer adsorbents containing amino compound were prepared. Their bilirubin adsorption ability was investigated both in vitro and ex vivo. All polymer adsorbents tested could adsorb bilirubin from buffered solution containing albumin. The bilirubin adsorption depended on the pH of the medium, that is, the amount of bilirubin adsorbed increases with increase of pH. The coating with poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly (HEMA)) to improve the blood compatibility of the adsorbent did not affect the bilirubin adsorption. In animal tests, the polymer coated with poly (HEMA) also adsorbed bilirubin effectively. However, the number of blood cell components such as platelets and blood white cells decreased drastically during hemoperfusion. These cells adhered on the polymer adsorbent and aggregated. From these findings, we concluded that the amine compound containing polymer adsorbents can adsorb bilirubin effectively from blood, whereas improvement of the blood compatibility of the adsorbent is necessary. KEY WORDS Polymer Adsorbent/Bilirubin/DirectHemoperfusion/Blood Compatibility/Adsorption/