American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation 2013-01
Thrombocytopenia associated with one type of polysulfone hemodialysis membrane: a report of 5 cases.
ABSTRACT
Much progress has been made in the biocompatibility of hemodialysis membranes with the development of synthetic membranes. However, despite better biocompatibility, thrombocytopenia has been observed in patients who are dialyzed with various polysulfone membranes. Recent publications have attributed this phenomenon to the electron-beam sterilization of dialyzers. We report 5 cases of thrombocytopenia in patients treated by hemodialysis with an electron-beam sterilized polysulfone membrane. The thrombocytopenia resolved after switching to either of 2 polysulfone membranes, one of which also was electron-beam sterilized. Although we were unable to elucidate the exact biochemical mechanism, the cause of the thrombocytopenia in this series appears to be related to the type of polysulfone and not due to the sterilization technique.
Great question & the answer is likely debatable based on personal experience. Review of some case reports show no evidence of prolonged bleeding after AVF cannulation...