High dialysis membranes permeability: pluses and minuses

Abstract

Up-to-date technologies have led to significant improvement of haemodialysis membranes biocompatibility and permeability. The new classes of membranes, high cut-off and middle cut-off, allow enhanced removal of middle molecules such as β2-microglobulin and even larger molecules. High membrane permeability along with the wide use of convective modalities are accompanied by increased albumin loss during dialysis. What is the acceptable upper limit for this loss and where is the right balance between the benefit of enhanced uremic substances removal and potential adverse effects of albumin deprivation are the active areas of research.