Haemodialysis with prostacyclin (Epoprostenol) alone.

Abstract

Dialysis with prostacyclin (Epoprostenol, PGI2) alone prevents platelet activation and endothelial cell stimulation but not the elevation of fibrinopeptide A (FPA), a sensitive marker of fibrin generation. The generation of FPA may explain why some patients develop clot in the dialysis circuit during PGI2-only dialysis. In combination with heparin, PGI2 augments the anticoagulant effect of the heparin as well as providing platelet protection.