Effects of High Versus Low Flux Membranes on O2 Saturation in Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND: Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the effects of dialysis on O2 saturation. While the dialysis procedure may lead to hypoxia under different circumstances, there are few studies available on the effects of membrane type on O2 saturation in these patients. OBJECTIVES: This study was to appraise the effects of high and low flux membrane on pulse oxymetery in dialysis patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional evaluation, 43 hemodialysis patients without pulmonary disease were enrolled. Of this group, dialysis was performed by low and high flux membranes, and pulse oxymetery was applied before and after the procedures. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 56.34 years. Of these patients, 23 (53.5%) and 20 (46.5%) were women and men, respectively. Type of membrane (high flux vs. low flux) did not show any significant effect on pulse oxymetery results (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the lack of a significant difference in pulse oxymetery and creation of hypoxia between two types of membranes in hemodialysis patients, as well as the high cost of high flux membrane as compared to the low flux membrane, we do not suggest the use of high flux membrane in dialysis.