Abstract: Objective   To compare the differences of biocompatibility and solute removal ability in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients using the dialyzer with cellulose triacetate (CTA) membrane and in those using the dialyzer with polysulfone (PS) membrane. Methods   The MHD patients were divided into a PS membrane group and a CTA membrane group according to the clinical responses whether or not they tolerated the PS membrane dialyzer. The effects of the two dialyzers on serum phosphorus (P), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), parathyroid hormone (PTH), complement, IgE, TNF-α,  interleukin-6 (IL-6),  platelet (PLT), hemoglobin (Hb), calculate urea removal rate (URR) and spKt /V were compared before and after the first dialysis session and after the hemodialysis for 12 months.  Results   After the first dialysis session, the difference of serum TNF-α was less (Z= -2.491, P=0.013) and the difference of serum β2-MG was more (Z=-2.039, P=0.041) in PS membrane group than in CTA membrane group. After the hemodialysis for 12 months, the differences of P (Z=-2.096, P=0.036), BUN (Z=-2.038, P=0.042), and spKt /V (t =-2.147, P=0.049) were statistically different between the two groups; the difference of P was more in PS membrane group than in CTA membrane group (t =0.114, P=0.041).  Conclusions   After the first dialysis session, serum TNF-α increased in PS membrane group, suggesting the better biocompatibility of CTA membrane dialyzer; the clearance of β2-MG was better in CTA membrane group than in PS membrane group. After the hemodialysis for 12 months, the biocompatibility became similar in both groups, spKt /V reached the standard level in CTA membrane group, and the clearances of P and BUN were better in CTA membrane group than in PS membrane group. 

Key words: Hemodialysis, Cellulose triacetate membrane, Polysulfone membrane, Biocompatibility, Solute removal ability