Review article: liver support systems in acute hepatic failure

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Transplantation Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Acute hepatic failure (AHF) treatment has evolved over 40 years, decreasing morbidity and mortality.
• Improvements in specialist medical management and liver transplantation have significantly enhanced patient survival.
• Extracorporeal hepatic support offers an alternative or bridge to transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical impact of alternative extracorporeal hepatic support methods for acute hepatic failure.
• To provide a historical overview of non-biological, biological, and hybrid hepatic support systems.
• To appraise current and future advancements in extracorporeal hepatic support.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical studies and advancements in hepatic support.
• Analysis of non-biological, biological, and hybrid extracorporeal systems.
• Historical appraisal of treatment modalities for acute hepatic failure.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in AHF management have reduced mortality.
• Liver transplantation has become a successful treatment, improving survival rates.
• Extracorporeal support methods offer diverse clinical applications and evolving potential.

Conclusions:

• Extracorporeal hepatic support represents a critical area of development in AHF management.
• Continued research into biological and hybrid systems promises further therapeutic advancements.
• Integrating various support strategies may optimize outcomes for patients with acute hepatic failure.