Biocompatibility studies on a clinically well-tolerated extracorporeal system

Abstract

A consistent repetitive change in the peripheral PMNL and monocyte counts during the clinically well-tolerated removal of LDL by SIA, using centrifugal BCS and antihuman apolipoprotein-B-antibody Sepharose 4B columns, has been observed. Also, a subsequent elevation of PMN-derived elastase-alpha 1 inhibitor-complex was found. Preliminary evidence and comparable laboratory data from other extracorporeal systems that are not biologically inert, suggest that plasma protein cascades may also be involved in the pathogenesis of these phenomena. The lack of potential clinical symptoms, in contrast to the laboratory observations, demonstrate that activation of plasma protein cascades that are not clinically relevant may occur. The long-term pathophysiologic consequences for patients treated regularly by SIA remain to be elucidated. Also, further systematic laboratory work is needed for a better understanding of the observations.