New Studies Demonstrate Role of High-Flux Dialyzers in Managing Albumin
Low Albumin Levels Predictive of Morbidity and Mortality for Patients with Kidney Failure
WALTHAM, Mass., July 29, 2021Ģý Two new publications in respected medical journals further examine the importance of high-flux dialyzers in maintaining serum albumin levels in hemodialysis patients,(FMCNA) announced today. Studies document how reduced levels of serum albumin predict morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis patients, although the causality of that link is less strongly established.
The most recent study titledwas published in theASAIO Journal.This real-world analysis evaluated the performance of four high-flux dialyzers with varying surface areas in 271 patients with baseline hypoalbuminemia. The findings of the study Ģýsupport the use of high-flux dialyzers in patients with hypoalbuminemia.Ģý This conclusion is especially relevant in patients with increased markers of systemic inflammation. The study showed no significant loss in serum albumin levels within one month of using high-flux dialyzers, and serum albumin increases were associated with reductions in a key marker of systemic inflammation.
ĢýPatients with baseline hypoalbuminemia represent a high-risk population for whom further reductions in serum albumin levels must be avoided,Ģý said Dr. Mike Anger, a co-author of the study, and SVP and Chief Medical Officer of FMCNAĢýs Renal Therapies Group. ĢýThis study further demonstrates that high-flux dialyzers can play a role in increasing albumin levels, and especially for those patients with higher body mass index and inflammation.Ģý
ĢýWeĢýre committed to improving patient outcomes with products backed by research and innovation,Ģý said Joe Turk, President of FMCNAĢýs Renal Therapies Group. ĢýThese results further reinforce the important role that high-flux dialyzers like Optiflux can play in helping address the potential dangers of low serum albumin levels.Ģý
A second publication entitled, documents that Ģýalbumin losses into the dialysate appear to vary greatly depending on the dialyzer used.Ģý This study was published earlier this year in theInternational Journal of Nephrology and Renovascular Disease.The authors note that ĢýexcessiveĢý loss of albumin is a theoretical concern with the chronic use of increasingly permeable dialyzers.
ĢýThis research furthers our understanding of the role of high-flux dialyzers in managing kidney failure, especially those patients already at increased risk of complications due to low levels of albumin,Ģý said Dr. Kam Kalantar-Zadeh, lead author of this second publication and head of the Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, ĢýWe also believe more research is needed to better understand how the permeability of dialyzers impacts patient outcomes.Ģý
To learn more about high-flux dialyzers, visit:
Ģý Ģý North America
Ģý North America (FMCNA) is the premier healthcare company focused on providing the highest quality care to people with renal and other chronic conditions. Through its industry-leading network of dialysis facilities and outpatient cardiac and vascular labs, Ģý North America provides coordinated healthcare services at pivotal care points for hundreds of thousands of chronically ill customers throughout the continent. As the worldĢýs largest fully integrated renal company, it offers specialty pharmacy and laboratory services, and manufactures and distributes the most comprehensive line of dialysis equipment, disposable products, and renal pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit the FMCNA website at.
