Authors
Claudio Ronco
Published in
Contributions to nephrology. Volume 201. Pages 105-113. Epub Sep 10, 2026.
Abstract
Research has produced interesting advances in the area of hemodialysis and related technology. Innovative composition and nanotechnology-related production techniques have produced new membranes with improved biocompatibility and enhanced permeability. Such membranes defined "medium cut-off" (MCO) have led to a new dimension of dialysis adequacy. Clearance of medium- and high-molecular-weight solutes (i.e., uremic toxins in the range of 5-30 kDa) is increased, thanks to a specific sieving profile in the region of retention onset (i.e., the molecular weight where the sieving value is 0.9). Retention onset of these membranes shifts to the right in the sieving profile compared to high-flux membranes, while the cut-off remains almost unchanged (i.e., sieving value of 0.1) with marginal albumin leakage. Therefore, MCO membranes have also been defined with the term "high retention onset." The application of MCO/high retention onset membranes with a classic dialysis apparatus characterizes the technique called "expanded hemodialysis." The technique relies on internal filtration and backfiltration mechanism that, combined with sieving characteristics of MCO membranes, produce significant clearance of large middle molecules. This mechanism is maximized if hollow fibers with reduced inner diameter are employed. The minimum technical requirement makes expanded hemodialysis application possible in every setting, where the quality of dialysis fluid meets current standards. This new technique has led to significant results in terms of biochemical targets, biological profiles, and clinical outcomes.
PMID:
42721089
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 11 Sep 2026.
Read full publication at:
Please sign in
to see all details.
Advertisement
Stats
- Recommendations n/a n/a positive of 0 vote(s)
- Views 2
- Comments 0