Clinical Experience with Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) in Patients with Drug-induced Liver Failure

Authors: Xin-min Zhou¹; Ji-yan Miao¹; Yan Yang¹; Ling Zhao¹; Xin Wang¹; Li Xu¹; Jie Ding¹; Kai-chun Wu¹; Dai-ming Fan; Min-min Wang²

Source: Artificial Organs, Volume 28, Number 5, May 2004 , pp. 483-486(4)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

The molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) is a novel extracorporeal technique for liver support. We report the clinical results in a group of fourteen patients with drug-induced liver failure. Fourteen patients, aged 22–83 years, with acute or subacute liver failure [mean Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score 11 (range 8–15)] due to the intake of various drugs (diet pill overdose—2; Chinese traditional medicine (CTM)—4; antibiotic, paracetamol, tuberculostatic, or vasodilator abuse—8) were treated with one to seven sessions of MARS. Beneficial effects such as the improvement of encephalopathy and prothrombin activity, as well as a reduction of bilirubin and ammonia were recorded during MARS treatments. Thirteen out of fourteen patients survived the hospitalization (93%), and two of the discharged patients died during the follow-up of 6–12 months. The overall survival rate was about 79%. MARS therapy can contribute to the improved treatment of drug-induced liver failure patients.

Keywords: Artificial liver; Molecular adsorbent recirculating system; Drug induced; Liver failure

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1594.2004.00010.x

Affiliations: 1: Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xi’jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China 2: Therapeutic Blood Purification Research Center, University of Rostock, Germany

Publication date: 2004-05-01