RT Journal
A1 Bieber S, Ahmad S
T1 ELectron-beam sterilized hemodialyzers and thrombocytopenia
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2012
FD February 15
VO 307
IS 7
SP 665
OP 666
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.144
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.144
AB 
The hemodialysis process has been known to cause a decrease in platelet counts for a variety of reasons, including the effects of the dialyzer membrane, anticoagulation, clot formation and consumption of platelets, and bioincompatibility of components such as blood tubing and dialysate. Because the comparisons used historical controls over a period of several months, it is important to know whether any other changes in hemodialysis practices occurred during this period. Changes in vascular access from catheter or graft to fistula, dialysate composition from higher acetate to lower acetate, dialysate purity by a change in water treatment, use of a dialysate filter, or the dose or supply of heparin could significantly alter the platelet count. Thrombocytopenia in patients receiving hemodialysis may be more prevalent in those who receive hemodialysis through a catheter, related to the inflammatory milieu caused by the foreign body, chronic infection, or the anticoagulant used.