American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Heparin-coated polyacrylonitrile membrane versus regional citrate anticoagulation: a prospective randomized study of 2 anticoagulation strategies in patients at risk of bleeding.
Hemodialysis requires anticoagulation to prevent clotting of the extracorporeal circuit. Systemic anticoagulation with heparin is contraindicated in patients at high risk of bleeding. In these patients, regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA), with either calcium-free (RCA-Ca0) or calcium-containing dialysate (RCA-Ca3.0), and heparin-coated membranes (1.3 m(2); AN69ST; Nephral 300ST, Gambro-Hospal, Meyzieu, France) may represent valid alternatives. ⋯ Citrate provides superior regional anticoagulation compared with AN69ST membranes.