| [ Summary ] |
Cellulose triacetate (CTA) is widely used as a low-flux dialyzer, high-flux dialyzer and hemodiafilter. It has been reported that CTA membranes exhibit a low level of efficacy in terms of classic biocompatibility parameters, such as transient complement activation or leukocyte response, compared to cellulosic membranes （cuprophan）. Furthermore, recent clinical studies have revealed that the influence of CTA on platelet counts or platelet activation (glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa) is less than that of synthetic membranes. Moreover, CTA does not require a hydrophilizing agent such as polyvinylpyrrolidone or bisphenol A, due to its high hydrophilicity. Based on these factors, it is possible that CTA may provide superior biocompatibility characteristics compared to synthetic membranes. Recently, CTA membranes with their structure changed from homogeneous to asymmetric have been used as hemodiafilters. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate the biocompatibility of the new CTA membranes in hemodiafiltration treatment. |