Effect of Expanded Hemodialysis with the Theranova Dialyzer on the Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Inflammatory Markers

The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been used as a marker of inflammation, endothelial damage, and a predictor of mortality. Expanded hemodialysis (HDx) using medium cut-off dialyzer (MCO) can effectively clear medium-sized uremic toxins. This study evaluated the effect of the Theranova dialyzer, a type of MCO dialyzer, on PLR and uremia-related inflammatory markers. A total of 44 patients with maintenance hemodialysis (HD) using high-flux dialyzer were randomly allocated to the Theranova or high-flux group. PLR and inflammatory markers including fibroblast growth factor 23, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 were evaluated every 4 weeks. The changes in PLR and the reduction ratio of inflammatory markers were compared between two groups during the 12-week study period. The baseline characteristics and PLR were not different between groups. After 12 weeks, the levels of PLR, and TNF-α were significantly lower in the Theranova group compared to the high-flux group (all p < 0.05). The generalized estimating equation model also revealed a significant decrease in PLR over time in the Theranova group than in the high-flux group (p = 0.04). The fold change in 12-week PLR to baseline PLR was lower in the Theranova group than in the high-flux group (p = 0.03). In the multivariable linear regression analysis, the Theranova dialyzer showed a negative correlation with the PLR fold change (β = −0.32, p = 0.04). Our results showed that HDx using the Theranova dialyzer improves PLR over time compared to the high-flux HD. The superior removal of the inflammatory uremic toxins by the Theranova dialyzer may have reduced inflammation and inflammation-related complications in HD patients.