Dialyzer reuse and single use: Pyrogenesis and bacteremia episodes

Abstract

Objectives: To compare dialyzer reuse with its single use for biochemical, hematological markers, pyrogenesis and bacteremia episodes. Methods: A longitudinal study with retrospective data collection from medical records of patients on dialysis in a public university hospital. The investigation was conducted six months with dialyzer reuse and six months with single use. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 18.0. To compare the tests means, paired t-test and Wilcoxon were used. Pyrogenesis and bacteremia episodes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test and Odds Ratio (OR) as association strength measures. Categorical variables were analyzed using McNemar and Fisher's Exact tests. The study was approved by the hospital's Research Ethics Committee. Results: Five thousand five hundred eight dialysis sessions of predominantly male patients were analyzed, 21 (62%), with mean age of 58 (± 14) years, hypertensive 14 (41%), with mean treatment time 6 ± 3 years. During single use, a reduction in urea after dialysis, creatinine, phosphorus, ferritin, hematocrit and hemoglogin was identified in relation to reuse (p<0.05) and 91% less risk of pyrogenesis compared to dialyzer reuse (Odds Ratio=0.091; 95% CI: 0.002-0.625). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of bacteremia. Conclusion: The results suggest greater removal of biochemical biomarkers and fewer pyrogenics episodes when the dialyzer is a single use.