Effect of the surface potential of the hemodialysis membrane and the electrical charge of the gadolinium contrast medium on dialyzability.

PURPOSE To search for methods of improving the excretion of injected gadolinium contrast medium (GdCM) in hemodialysis (HD) patients, we investigated the effect of the surface potential of HD membranes and the electrical charge of GdCM on the dialyzability of GdCM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ionic (Gd-DTPA) or non-ionic (Gd-DO3A) GdCM solutions were dialyzed using a clinical HD unit. Two types of HD membranes, AN69 with a surface potential and PMMA without, were used. GdCM clearance was then calculated. RESULTS Gd-DTPA clearance was significantly higher for PMMA membranes than for AN69 membranes. Gd-DO3A clearance was slightly higher for AN69 membranes than for PMMA membranes. The difference in Gd-DTPA and Gd-DO3A clearance values was not significant when PMMA membranes were used. CONCLUSION These data indicate that non-ionic GdCM is preferable to ionic GdCM in patients receiving dialysis through an electrically positive membrane. Either ionic or non-ionic GdCM can be used when a normal dialysis membrane is being used.