Medium Cut-Off Dialysis Membranes: Can They Have Impact on Outcome of COVID-19 Hemodialysis Patients?

Abstract

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 may lead to high levels of expression of inflammatory cytokines. Medium cut-off (MCO) membranes may make greater clearances for large-middle molecules (including cytokines) than low-flux (LF) membranes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of MCO membranes on outcome of COVID-19 patients on hemodialysis (HD). Methods: Sixty COVID-19 HD patients were included in this study. The patients were categorized into 2 groups regarding type of HD membranes. Clinical data were taken from medical records. Results: Initial crp and ferritin levels, which are surragates of cytokine storm and severity of disease in COVID-19, were significantly higher in MCO membrane group compared to LF group (p = 0.037 and 0.000, respectively). Although there were more patients with severe disease in MCO group, there were no significant differences regarding need for intensive care unit and death. Conclusion: It may be an option to use MCO membranes in HD patients with COVID-19 in order to reduce cytokine levels and prevent cytokine storm.