Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Technique of Subnormothermic Ex Vivo Liver Perfusion for the Storage, Assessment, and Repair of Marginal Liver Grafts
Published on: August 13, 2014
Changes in serum electrolytes during treatment of patients in liver failure with molecular adsorbent recirculating
C Doria1, H R Doyle, L Mandalà
1Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. cataldo.doria@mail.tju.edu
Purpose:
To study the effect of MARS on serum electrolytes during liver failure.
Design:
Twenty-three patients admitted to a quaternary health care facility from September 2000 to May 2002, 22 adults and 1 child, 11 males (48%) and 12 females (52%), age 15-70 (median 53), treated with MARS for: 12 acute-on-chronic liver failure (52%); 4 fulminant hepatic failure (17%); 3 intractable pruritus (13%); 2 primary-non-function (9%); 2 following major liver resection (9%).
Procedures:
Sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium were measured in the serum, ultrafiltrate and albumin circuit before and after MARS.
Statistical Methods:
A comparison of electrolyte concentrations, before and after MARS, was performed using a paired t test.
Main Findings:
Serum electrolyte concentrations before and after MARS, while statistically significant in some cases, were very small, and of no clinical relevance.
Conclusion:
MARS exchanges potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium by ultrafiltration; sodium by the albumin dialysis.
Related Concept Videos
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Hemoperfusion and Hemofiltration
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

