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Early clinical experience with a hybrid bioartificial liver
A A Demetriou1, J Rozga, L Podesta
1Liver Support Unit, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Supplement
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Bioartificial liver (BAL) support is a safe and effective bridge therapy for patients with severe liver failure awaiting organ transplantation. This treatment improved encephalopathy and reduced ammonia levels, aiding recovery.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Severe liver failure presents a high mortality risk.
- Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the primary treatment, but organ availability is limited.
- A temporary support system is crucial for patients awaiting OLT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a bioartificial liver (BAL) as a bridge to OLT.
- To assess BAL's impact on liver failure markers and neurological status.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with severe liver failure received BAL treatment.
- BAL involved circulating patient plasma through a module containing porcine hepatocytes for 6-7 hours.
- A plasmapheresis system facilitated plasma circulation.
Main Results:
- All patients tolerated the BAL procedure well.
- Eight patients successfully underwent OLT after BAL treatment.
- BAL treatment led to improved encephalopathy and decreased serum ammonia levels.
- Neurological recovery was observed in patients with increased intracranial pressure.
Conclusions:
- Bioartificial liver (BAL) treatment is a safe and beneficial supportive therapy.
- BAL serves as an effective bridge to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).
- BAL can improve clinical outcomes in patients with severe liver failure.