A heparin-coated dialysis filter (AN69 ST) does not reduce clotting during hemodialysis when compared to a conventional polysulfone filter (F×8).

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether the heparin-coated AN69 ST hemodialysis (HD) filter induced less hypercoagulability during HD than a conventional polysulfone filter (F×8).

METHODS

In a crossover design, 11 patients were treated alternately with AN69 ST and F×8 filters (45 sessions). All filters were primed with unfractionated heparin (UFH) and unadsorbed UFH was removed by saline flushing. Half the conventional dalteparin dose was given as a bolus dose at the start of HD. Clotting was evaluated hourly in the venous air trap. Prothrombin fragments 1 and 2 (PF1 + 2), antithrombin (AT), β-TG and anti-FXa activity were repeatedly measured.

RESULTS

One patient treated with enalapril had two repeated adverse reactions to the AN69 ST filter and was excluded from the study. Use of the AN69 ST filter did not decrease the mean clot score or PF1 + 2, but decreased β-TG compared to the F×8 filter.

CONCLUSION

The heparin-coated AN69 ST filter did not induce less coagulation when compared to the F×8 filter.