Preliminary study on a hybrid bioartificial liver support system in the treatment of severe hepatitis

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a new hybrid bioartificial liver support system in the treatment of severe viral hepatitis. Methods A hybrid liver support system consisting of plasma exchange device, plasma perfusion column (charcoal) and a hollow fiber reactor inoculated with 1×10 9 aggregated human hepatocytes or porcine hepatocytes was developed. Ten patients with severe viral hepatitis were treated using this hybrid system. Results The effective rate of the hybrid bioartificial liver support system was 70% (7/10). The mental status and signs of toxicity of patients were improved markedly. Two patients of coma Ⅲ woke up and grade Ⅱ encephalopathy in 4 patients disappeared after treatment. At the same time, a marked decrease in total serum bilirubin and prothrombin time was noted after treatment. Finally, Three out of 10 patients recovered completely. Two patients were bridged to liver transplantation. Five patients died from the complication of hepatic failure or discharge refused advice due to worsening of disease.Conclusions The evident clinical improvement shows that this artifical liver system has prominant liver support effects for the patients with severe viral hepatitis and liver failure.