Polyacrylonitrile-co-sodium methallylsulfonate copolymer (AN69) and polysulfone (PSf) synthetic membranes were prepared and used for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from water. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Ionic exchange capacity (IEC), and Swelling ratio (Sr) were employed to determine the membrane characteristics. pH, membrane composition and initial dye concentration were used for t...

We read with great interest the comments of Rocco and colleagues on colistin dosing in a recent letter in Critical Care [1]. The application of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) indeed offers an opportunity to prescribe very high colistin doses without exposing the patient to excess toxicity [2]. However, caution is needed before implementing this so-called CRRT ‘shield’ function. Fir...

Although several dosage adjustment regimens have been proposed, there is little quantitative information to guide the initiation of ceftazidime therapy in patients who are receiving continuous renal replacement therapy. To determine the clearance of ceftazidime by continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) and continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD), we performed controlled clearance studie...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of both uremia itself and hemodialysis (HD) membranes on the induction of apoptosis. Four groups of subjects were evaluated: 21 nondialyzed (Non-D) patients, 10 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, and 53 HD patients who were on hemophan, cuprophan, cellulose acetate, AN69, and polysulfone; control subjects were nine healthy...