Plasmapheresis in acute liver failure.
A series of 9 patients with acute hepatic failure and Grade IV hepatic coma received daily plasmapheresis until they recovered or death ensued. Of the nine, seven (77%) showed an improvement in coma grade and five (55%) survived to leave hospital. Plasmapheresis significantly decreased serum bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase and plasma ammonia concentrations. Survival following plasmapheresis appeared substantially better than in a non randomized group of similar patients not plasmapheresed. The simplicity of the procedure, biochemical improvements observed and apparent efficacy, suggest that further evaluation of the technique as a means of providing temporary hepatic support is indicated.
D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D010956:Plasmapheresis