Extracorporal liver support with molecular adsorbents recirculating system in patients with hepatitis B-associated fulminant hepatic failure

Int J Clin Pract. 2005 Nov;59(11):1289-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2005.00604.x.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most prevalent cause of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in the Far East. HBV-associated FHF is characterised by rapidly progressive end organ dysfunction/failure and a very poor prognosis. To investigate how molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) treatment impacts multiple organ system function in HBV-associated FHF. Ten consecutive patients were treated with MARS in a period of 12 months. Clinical, biochemical and haemodynamic parameters were assessed before and after MARS. Various disease severity scoring systems including model for end-stage liver disease, APACHE II, APACHE III, sequential organ failure assessment and organ system failure scores were also assessed. There were significant improvements in hepatic encephalopathy grading (p < 0.001), mean arterial pressure (p < 0.001), plasma renin activity (p = 0.027), bilirubin (p < 0.001), ammonia (p = 0.001) and creatinine levels (p < 0.001). There were also significant improvements in all the scoring systems evaluated. Meanwhile, platelet count was significantly decreased (p < 0.001). One patient was successfully bridged to liver transplantation. Three patients were alive at 3 months of follow-up. MARS can improve multiple organ functions in HBV-associated FHF. On the basis of these findings, randomised controlled studies are indicated and justified.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Hemodiafiltration / methods*
  • Hemodynamics
  • Hepatitis B / complications*
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure, Acute / therapy*
  • Liver Failure, Acute / virology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome