Morphology of blood cells and the surface of charcoal by scanning electron microscopy during haemoperfusion in patients with hepatorenal syndrome.

The surface structure of non-spherical natural and spherical polymeric charcoal as well as the composition of blood cells in peripheral blood was studied in 52 patients with hepatorenal syndrome using the scanning electron microscope. Our data have allowed us to conclude that the optimal varieties of charcoal in respect of haemocompatibility are non-coated polymeric charcoals with spherical granules. Moreover, these varieties are characterised by an increased ability to absorb deformed erythrocytes. The possible mechanisms of blood-cell and fibrin adsorption on the surface of charcoal together with a specific approach to the choice of charcoal depending on the patients initial thrombocyte count is given.