The inclusion of activated charcoal within hemodialysis membranes offers potentially improved plasma clearance of creatinine and middle molecules. However, the carbon becomes saturated with continued use and beyond 1 h removal of solutes is by dialysis alone. Two independently conducted crossover studies, to assess the efficacy of sorbent membrane dialysis (SMD) in the treatment of uremia, found predialysis urea levels increased by approximately 15%, creatinine by 10-15%, and inorganic phosphate levels by 10-18% on SMD compared to conventional hemodialysis. One study also observed "middle molecule' (peak "b') levels elevated. No differences were observable in the clinical status of patients. The results suggest that the charcoal content of the SMD device is too small to effect any advantages over conventional dialysis.
