[Non-biological liver support in hepatic failure].
Liver failure leads to the accumulation of a range of toxins that may be implicated in the development of the multiorgan failure associated with liver failure. A device capable of removing toxins would thus be useful in the treatment of liver failure by stabilising the patient until either the liver begins to regenerate or liver transplantation can take place. A number of non-biological devices based on modifications and combinations of haemodialysis, haemofiltration, haemoperfusion, and plasma separation have been investigated and are reviewed in this article. So far, the most promising results have been demonstrated with devices that remove a wide range of toxins, including those bound to albumin.
Schmidt
Lars E
LE
Hepatologisk afdeling A. 2.12.1, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 København. lars.schmidt@dadlnet.dk
Larsen
Fin Stolze
FS
D003956:Dialysis / Q000379:methods; D006440:Hemofiltration / Q000379:methods; D006464:Hemoperfusion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000628:therapy*; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000379:methods; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000379:methods