Free Radicals Induce Increased Lysis of Red Blood Cells After Haemodialysis

This study investigates the role of oxidative damage causing haemolysis as a possible factor contributing to reduced red blood cell survival and thereby to renal anaemia in patients on chronic haemodialysis. Oxidative damage and haemolysis may be initiated by lipid peroxidation. In this study primary initiators of lipid peroxidation were used to lyse red blood cells of haemodialysis patients before and after 4 h treatment. These initiators of lipid peroxidation were generated by photoactivation of haematoporphyrin. The red blood cells before haemodialysis were lysed to a normal ratio. After haemodialysis red blood cells were lysed to an increased ratio using a strongly oxidative stress. We conclude (1) oxidative damage by lipid peroxidation may play a limited role in the pathogenesis of renal anaemia; (2) haemodialysis causes oxidative damage.