Albumin dialysis: an update.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current literature about albumin dialysis-based liver support.


RESULTS
The literature suggests that the molecular adsorbent recirculating system of albumin dialysis is a useful tool to treat acute liver failure, decompensated chronic liver disease, and to provide a bridge for patients to liver transplantation. The reported clinical benefits include an improvement in central and local haemodynamics as well as organ functions (liver, brain, kidney). The treatment can contribute to liver regeneration and prolongation of patient survival. Proper patient selection is critical for clinical success.


CONCLUSIONS
Albumin regeneration has developed into a central component of modern liver support technologies. Albumin dialysis using the molecular adsorbent recirculating system is the most frequently used and best studied liver support technique at present time. Ongoing and future clinical studies will help define the place of albumin dialysis in liver failure therapy.
Mitzner
Steffen R
SR
Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany. steffen.mitzner@med.uni-rostock.de
D000418:Albumins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000628:therapy*; D008115:Liver Regeneration; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000418:Albumins