Leptin Levels and Appetite Score in Patients on Hemodialysis Using High Flux or Medium Cutoff Membranes.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on hemodialysis may have a modified appetite due to several factors including a lack of uremic toxins elimination. The use of medium cutoff (MCO) dialysis membranes has been suggested as an alternative to improve the removal of toxins, especially those of medium and high molecular weight. This study aimed to compare the effect of hemodialysis using MCO and high-flux membranes on the appetite and leptin levels of CKD patients.

DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a predefined exploratory analysis of a randomized, open study, with a crossover design of 28 weeks of follow-up, which compared the effects of MCO and high-flux membranes in 32 CKD patients on hemodialysis. Appetite assessments were performed using the Appetite and Food Satisfaction Questionnaire.

RESULTS: The MCO group had an appetite score of 3.00 (1.00-5.50) and 3.00 (1.00-5.00) at the beginning and at the end of the treatment period, respectively, while the high-flux group had 1.00 (0.25-6.00) and 2.00 (0.75-3.25). There were no effects of treatment (P = .573), time (P = .376), and interaction (P = .770) between the MCO and high-flux groups. Leptin levels, at the beginning and at the end of the treatment period, were 2,342.30 (1,156.50-4,091.50) and 2,571.50 (1,619.40-4,036.47) pg/mL in the MCO group, respectively, and 2,183.15 (1,550.67-3,656.50) and 2,685.65 (1,458.20-3,981.08) pg/mL in the high-flux group. There was a time effect (P = .014), showing an increase in leptin levels in both groups, while treatment (P = .771) or interaction (P = .218) effects were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference between the effects of MCO or high-flux membranes on leptin levels or appetite of CKD patients on hemodialysis.