Effect of the dialysis membrane in the treatment of patients with acute renal failure

A synthetic membrane used in dialysis treatments may be more effective than the standard cuprophane membrane in improving kidney function. A study of 72 patients with acute kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis to cleanse their blood found the synthetic polymethyl methacrylate membrane to be associated with a higher survival rate than the cuprophane membrane (80% versus 40%). The synthetic membrane may be more compatible with the body than the cuprophane membrane. This may enable patients with acute kidney failure to recover kidney function, and enable long-term dialysis patients to retain some kidney function for a longer period of time. The synthetic membrane may not activate the body's white blood cells as does the cuprophane membrane. This could may make a difference in the success of dialysis for patients with oliguria (reduced urine output). The synthetic membrane may cost more than the cuprophane membrane, but the improved treatment rate may more than pay for the difference.