Critical care apheresis: hepatic failure

Hepatic failure is a common feature of critical care. Most hepatic dysfunction in the ICU responds to medical management and metabolic support. The role of extracorporeal organ support in hepatic failure is not as well defined as it is in renal failure and pulmonary failure. Nevertheless, artificial organ support has been successful in the treatment of advanced liver failure. Hybrid bioartificial liver substitutes show great promise, especially as a bridge to liver transplant.