Removal of protein-bound substance in hepatic failure: polyetherurethane sheet embedded with powdered charcoal (UPC)

For the purpose of applying an artificial liver support system to a direct hemoperfusion (DHP), a new type of adsorbent, "polyetherurethane sheet embedded with powdered charcoal (UPC)" has been developed and clinically used. A polypropylene container was used to prepare a column containing 70 g of powdered charcoal by filling it with a 35 m x 15 cm roll of the 150 microns thick UPC. The powdered charcoal with an optimum pore size was selected for the purpose of adsorbing protein-bound substances and middle molecular substances. The result of a 3-hour DHP performed on a jaundiced dog showed the removal amounts of about 70% of bilirubin and 90% of bile acid. DHP was also performed on jaundiced patients. A 3-hour hemoperfusion using one UPC column obtained the maximum removal amounts of 23% of total bilirubin and 31% of bile acid. When 3 columns in all were used, one at a time, by replacing it with time, the removal amounts of 43% of total bilirubin and 55% of bile acid resulted. The hemoperfusion was safely completed with transient effects, if any, on the blood elements.