[Albumin dialysis MARS (Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System) as a bridge for liver transplantation in acute liver failure. Report of three cases]

Rev Med Chil. 2004 May;132(5):601-7. doi: 10.4067/s0034-98872004000500010.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

The most successful therapy for acute liver failure is liver transplantation. However, due to the low number of donors, organ support therapies need to be used as a bridge to liver transplantation. Molecular Adsorbents Recirculating System (MARS) is a dialysis treatment that uses a recirculating dialysate containing albumin. This allows the removal of both hydrosoluble and albumin-related substances. This system improves hepatic encephalopathy, renal dysfunction and some clinical parameters in acute liver failure, but there is no clear decrease in mortality. We report three women aged 23, 21 and 61 years, that were subjected to liver transplantation, in whom this therapy was successfully used.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / therapy
  • Adult
  • Albumins / therapeutic use*
  • Ammonia / blood
  • Bilirubin / blood
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Female
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Renal Dialysis / methods
  • Sorption Detoxification / methods*

Substances

  • Albumins
  • Biomarkers
  • Ammonia
  • Creatinine
  • Bilirubin