A comparative study on the haemostatic changes in kidney failure patients: Pre- and post- haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration

Background

Individuals with kidney failure have a compromised haemostatic system making them susceptible to both thrombosis and bleeding.

Objectives

Assessment of primary haemostasis in patients treated with either haemodialysis (HD) or haemodiafiltration (HDF) was performed through the measurement of several coagulation-based tests, both pre- and post-dialysis.

Patients/methods

41 renal failure patients and 40 controls were recruited. Platelet aggregometry, Factor XIII (FXIII), Fibrinogen, Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and Soluble P-Selectin (sP-Sel) levels were measured.

Results

Maximum platelet aggregation was diminished in renal patients irrespective of aspirin intake. Post-dialysis, platelet function was exacerbated. Pre-dialysis FXIII levels were similar to the healthy cohort and became elevated post-dialysis. This elevation could not be explained by the relative decrease of water by dialysis. Fibrinogen levels were already elevated pre-dialysis and further increased post-dialysis. This elevation was associated with the relative decrease of water by dialysis. VWF levels in males were similar to the healthy cohort and became elevated post-dialysis. This elevation was associated with dialysis-related water loss. VWF antigen and activity in female patients were already elevated pre-dialysis and further increased post-dialysis with the exception of VWF activity in HDF treated female patients. sP-Sel levels were lower than those of the healthy cohort and became similar to the healthy cohort post-dialysis. This elevation could not be explained by the relative decrease of water by dialysis.

Conclusions

Whilst platelet aggregometry was diminished, we noted elevated clotting factors such as fibrinogen, FXIII and VWF with no significant differences between HD and HDF-treated patients.