Abstract: Objective This is a prospective and self-controlled study designed to detect whether the microinflammatory state improves in hemodialysis patients using high-flux dialysis. Methods Thirty patients on maintenance low-flux hemodialysis were included in this study. They were then switched the dialyzer from low-flux dialyzer to high-flux F60 or FX60 dialyzer without changes of dialysis prescription. Ultrapure dialysate was used in the dialysis. Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hCRP), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and albumin were determined after the switch for 0, 6 and 12 months. Results After the switch from low-flux hemodialysis to high-flux hemodialysis for 12 months, serum hCRP and IL-1 remained unchanged. Serum IL-6 was 39.97±41.03ng/L, 36.81±37.09ng/L and 15.17±1.54ng/L (P<0.05) after the switch for 0, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Conclusions Switch from low-flux hemodialysis to high-flux hemodialysis may improve the microinflammatory state in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Key words: High sensitivity C-reactive protein, Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6