Acute liver failure: results of a 5-year clinical protocol

Guidelines for the Management of Adult Acute and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in the ICU: Neurology, Peri-Transplant Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Gastroenterology Considerations

OBJECTIVES

To develop evidence-based recommendations for clinicians caring for adults with acute liver failure (ALF) or acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) in the ICU.

DESIGN

The guideline panel comprised 27 members with expertise in aspects of care of the critically ill patient with liver failure or methodology. We adhered to the Society of Critical Care Medicine standard operating procedures manual and conflict-of-interest policy. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among the panel, as well as within subgroups, served as an integral part of the guideline development.

INTERVENTIONS

In part 2 of this guideline, the panel was divided into four subgroups: neurology, peri-transplant, infectious diseases, and gastrointestinal groups. We developed and selected Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) questions according to importance to patients and practicing clinicians. For each PICO question, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis where applicable. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We used the evidence to decision framework to facilitate recommendations formulation as strong or conditional. We followed strict criteria to formulate best practice statements.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We report 28 recommendations (from 31 PICO questions) on the management ALF and ACLF in the ICU. Overall, five were strong recommendations, 21 were conditional recommendations, two were best-practice statements, and we were unable to issue a recommendation for five questions due to insufficient evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary, international experts formulated evidence-based recommendations for the management ALF and ACLF patients in the ICU, acknowledging that most recommendations were based on low quality and indirect evidence.

Bilirubin adsorption versus plasma exchange for hyperbilirubinemia in patients after cardiac surgery: a retrospective study

Objective

Hyperbilirubinemia after cardiac surgery increases in-hospital mortality and is associated with poor prognosis. Our present study aimed to compare the efficacy of bilirubin adsorption (BA) and plasma exchange (PEX) in patients with hyperbilirubinemia after cardiac surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively included patients who underwent BA treatment or PEX treatment due to severe hyperbilirubinemia after cardiac surgery at our center from 2015 to 2020. We collected results from urine and liver function tests before and after treatment and compared the in-hospital mortality and morbidity between the two treatment groups.

Results

A total of 56 patients were enrolled in this study: 14 patients received BA treatment, and 42 patients received PEX treatment. Compared to the PEX group, the BA group exhibited a statistically significant reduction in total bilirubin (p = 0.016) and direct bilirubin (p = 0.036) levels. The in-hospital mortality was 85.7% (48/56) in the whole group, and the BA group had a lower mortality than the PEX group (71.4% vs. 90.5%, p = 0.078). The BA group showed better circulatory support, including lower risks of IABP (21.4% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.044), ECMO (21.4% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.061), reintubation (64.3% vs. 40.5%, p = 0.122) and ventricular arrhythmias (64.3% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.217). The in-hospital mortality was still lower in the BA treatment group than in the PEX treatment group (71.4% vs. 100%, p = 0.049) in the matched cohort.

Conclusions

Compared to PEX treatment, BA treatment had a higher bilirubin removal ability in patients with hyperbilirubinemia and could reduce the mortality and risks of poor clinical outcomes. BA treatment should be considered an effective treatment method for patients with higher total bilirubin or direct bilirubin levels.

Hemorrhagic Complications of Invasive Intracranial Pressure Monitor Placement in Acute Liver Failure: Outcomes of a Single-Center Protocol and Comprehensive Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Elevated intracranial pressure due to cerebral edema is associated with very poor survival in patients with acute liver failure (ALF). Placing an intracranial pressure monitor (ICPm) aids in management of intracranial hypertension, but is associated with potentially fatal hemorrhagic complications related to the severe coagulopathy associated with ALF.

METHODS

An institutional Acute Liver Failure Clinical Protocol (ALF-CP) was created to correct ALF coagulopathy prior to placing parenchymal ICP monitoring bolts. We aimed to investigate the frequency, severity, and clinical significance of hemorrhagic complications associated with ICPm bolt placement in the setting of an ALF-CP. All assessed patients were managed with the ALF-CP and had rigorous radiologic follow-up allowing assessment of the occurrence and chronology of hemorrhagic complications. We also aimed to compare our outcomes to other studies that were identified through a comprehensive review of the literature.

RESULTS

Fourteen ALF patients were included in our analysis. There was no symptomatic hemorrhage after ICP monitor placement though four patients were found to have minor intraparenchymal asymptomatic hemorrhages after liver transplant when the ICP monitor had been removed, making the rate of radiographically identified clinically asymptomatic hemorrhage 28.6%. These results compare favorably to those found in a comprehensive review of the literature which revealed rates as high as 17.5% for symptomatic hemorrhages and 30.4% for asymptomatic hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that an intraparenchymal ICPm can be placed safely in tertiary referral centers which utilize a protocol such as the ALF-CP that aggressively corrects coagulopathy. The ALF-CP led to advantageous outcomes for ICPm placement with a 0% rate of symptomatic and low rate of asymptomatic hemorrhagic complications, which compares well to results reported in other series. A strict ICPm placement protocol in this setting facilitates management of ALF patients with cerebral edema during the wait time to transplantation or spontaneous recovery.

The Clinical Spectrum and Manifestations of Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare life-threatening condition characterized by rapid progression and death. Causes vary according to geographic region, with acetaminophen and drug-induced ALF being the most common causes in the United States. Determining the cause aids in predicting the prognosis and the presentation of manifestations and guides providers to perform cause-specific management. At initial presentation, nonspecific symptoms are present but may progress to complications, including cerebral edema, infection, coagulopathy, renal failure, cardiopulmonary failure, and acid-base and/or metabolic disturbances. Although some cases of ALF resolve with conservative measures, liver transplantation is the ultimate treatment in many cases.

Prometheus therapy for the treatment of acute liver failure in patients after cardiac surgery

Introduction

Acute liver failure usually develops in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and significantly increases the mortality risk in patients after cardiac surgery.

Aim

To assess the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal liver support in patients with acute liver failure after cardiac surgery.

Material and methods

We studied 39 adult patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and acute liver failure as postoperative complication, treated with Prometheus therapy. Inclusion criteria comprised clinical and laboratory signs of acute liver failure. Criteria to start Prometheus therapies were: serum bilirubin above 180 µmol/l (reference values: 3-17 µmol/l), hepatocyte cytolysis syndrome (at least 2-fold increase in aspartate aminotranspherase and alanine aminotranspherase concentrations; reference values 10-40 U/l) and decrease in plasma cholinesterase (reference values 4490-13 320 U/l).

Results

Extracorporeal therapy provided stabilization of hemodynamics, decrease in serum total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin levels, decrease in cytolysis syndrome severity and positive effect on the synthetic function of the liver. The 28-day survival rate in the group treated with Prometheus therapy was 23%.

Conclusions

Prometheus procedures could be recommended as a part of combined intensive care in patients with acute liver failure after cardiac and major vessel surgery. The efficiency of this method could be improved by a multi-factor evaluation of patient condition in order to determine indications for its use.

Perioperative Care of the Liver Transplant Patient

With the evolution of surgical and anesthetic techniques, liver transplantation has become "routine," allowing for modifications of practice to decrease perioperative complications and costs. There is debate over the necessity for intensive care unit admission for patients with satisfactory preoperative status and a smooth intraoperative course. Postoperative care is made easier when the liver graft performs optimally. Assessment of graft function, vigilance for complications after the major surgical insult, and optimization of multiple systems affected by liver disease are essential aspects of postoperative care. The intensivist plays a vital role in an integrated multidisciplinary transplant team.

Outcomes and complications of intracranial pressure monitoring in acute liver failure: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine if intracranial pressure monitor placement in patients with acute liver failure is associated with significant clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective multicenter cohort study.

SETTING

Academic liver transplant centers comprising the U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group.

PATIENTS

Adult critically ill patients with acute liver failure presenting with grade III/IV hepatic encephalopathy (n = 629) prospectively enrolled between March 2004 and August 2011.

INTERVENTION

Intracranial pressure monitored (n = 140) versus nonmonitored controls (n = 489).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Intracranial pressure monitored patients were younger than controls (35 vs 43 yr, p < 0.001) and more likely to be on renal replacement therapy (52% vs 38%, p = 0.003). Of 87 intracranial pressure monitored patients with detailed information, 44 (51%) had evidence of intracranial hypertension (intracranial pressure > 25 mm Hg) and overall 21-day mortality was higher in patients with intracranial hypertension (43% vs 23%, p = 0.05). During the first 7 days, intracranial pressure monitored patients received more intracranial hypertension-directed therapies (mannitol, 56% vs 21%; hypertonic saline, 14% vs 7%; hypothermia, 24% vs 10%; p < 0.03 for each). Forty-one percent of intracranial pressure monitored patients received liver transplant (vs 18% controls; p < 0.001). Overall 21-day mortality was similar (intracranial pressure monitored 33% vs controls 38%, p = 0.24). Where data were available, hemorrhagic complications were rare in intracranial pressure monitored patients (4 of 56 [7%]; three died). When stratifying by acetaminophen status and adjusting for confounders, intracranial pressure monitor placement did not impact 21-day mortality in acetaminophen patients (p = 0.89). However, intracranial pressure monitor was associated with increased 21-day mortality in nonacetaminophen patients (odds ratio, ~ 3.04; p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

In intracranial pressure monitored patients with acute liver failure, intracranial hypertension is commonly observed. The use of intracranial pressure monitor in acetaminophen acute liver failure did not confer a significant 21-day mortality benefit, whereas in nonacetaminophen acute liver failure, it may be associated with worse outcomes. Hemorrhagic complications from intracranial pressure monitor placement were uncommon and cannot account for mortality trends. Although our results cannot conclusively confirm or refute the utility of intracranial pressure monitoring in patients with acute liver failure, patient selection and ancillary assessments of cerebral blood flow likely have a significant role. Prospective studies would be required to conclusively account for confounding by illness severity and transplant.

Structured approach to treat patients with acute liver failure: A hepatic emergency

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a condition of acute hepatic emergency where rapid deterioration of hepatocyte function leads to hepatic encephalopathy, coagulopathy, cerebral edema (CE), infection and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome resulting in a high mortality rate. Urgent liver transplantation is the standard of care for most of these patients in Western countries. However, in India, access to liver transplantation is severely limited and, hence, the management is largely based on intensive medical care. With earlier recognition of disease, better understanding of pathophysiology and improved intensive care, ALF patients have shown a significant improvement in spontaneous survival. An evidence base for practice for supportive care is still lacking; however, intensive organ support as well as control of infection and CE are likely to be key to the successful outcome in this acute and potentially reversible condition without any sequel. A structured approach to decision making about intensive care is important in each case. Unlike in Western countries where acetamenophen is the most common cause of ALF, the role of a specific agent, such as N-acetylcysteine, is limited in India. Ammonia-lowering therapy is still in an evolving phase. The current review highlights the important medical management issues in patients with ALF in general as well as the management of major complications associated with ALF. We performed a MEDLINE search using combinations of the key words such as acute liver failure, intensive treatment of acute liver failure and fulminant hepatic failure. We reviewed the relevant publications with regard to intensive care of patients with ALF.

Insertion of Intracranial Pressure Monitors in Fulminant Hepatic Failure Patients

BACKGROUND

Cerebral edema contributes to the high morbidity and mortality of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).

OBJECTIVE

We report the results of our early experience with insertion of intraparenchymal intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors in these highly coagulopathic patients.

METHODS

Eleven consecutive patients with FHF met the criteria for invasive ICP monitoring. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) was administered at an average dose of 3 mg intravenous bolus (average, 36.7 μg/kg). We inserted the intraparenchymal ICP monitor within 15 minutes to 2 hours after rFVIIa administration, without waiting for the repeat coagulation results. Postprocedure computed tomographic scans of the brain were obtained in all patients.

RESULTS

No hemorrhagic complications were detected on the immediate postprocedure computed tomographic scans. There were no thrombotic complications in this group of patients.

CONCLUSION

In this group of patients with FHF, placement of an ICP monitor without hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications was feasible after administration of rFVIIa. This is a report of our early experience, and caution is advised. Further collaborative randomized studies are needed to prove the efficacy, optimal dosing, and cost effectiveness of rFVIIa for the placement of ICP monitors in this group of patients.

Intestinal glucose uptake protects liver from lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine, acetaminophen, and alpha-amanitin in mice

We have recently observed that oral administration of D-glucose saves animals from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced death. This effect is the likely consequence of glucose-induced activation of the sodium-dependent glucose transporter-1. In this study, we investigated possible hepatoprotective effects of glucose-induced, sodium-dependent, glucose transporter-1 activation. We show that oral administration of D-glucose, but not of either D-fructose or sucrose, prevents LPS-induced liver injury, as well as liver injury and death induced by an overdose of acetaminophen. In both of these models, physiological liver morphology is maintained and organ protection is confirmed by unchanged levels of the circulating markers of hepatotoxicity, such as alanine transaminase or lactate dehydrogenase. In addition, D-glucose was found to protect the liver from alpha-amanitin-induced liver injury. In this case, in contrast to the previously described models, a second signal had to be present in addition to glucose to achieve protective efficacy. Toll-like receptor 4 stimulation that was induced by low doses of LPS was identified as such a second signal. Eventually, the protective effect of orally administered glucose on liver injury induced by LPS, overdose of acetaminophen, or alpha-amanitin was shown to be mediated by the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10. These findings, showing glucose-induced protective effects in several animal models of liver injury, might be relevant in view of possible therapeutic interventions against different forms of acute hepatic injury.

Intraparenchymal intracranial pressure monitoring in patients with acute liver failure

BACKGROUND

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a common cause of death in acute liver failure (ALF) and is determinant for decision-making regarding the timing of liver transplantation. The recommended type ICP monitoring device is controversial in ALF patients. Epidural devices had less risk of hemorrhagic complications, but they are less reliable than intraparenchymal ones.

METHOD

Twenty-three patients with ALF were treated, and 19 of them received a liver transplant. Seventeen patients had ICP monitoring because of grade III-IV encephalopathy. All patients received fresh plasma (2-3 units) before and during placing the intraparenchymal device.

RESULTS

Eleven cases (64.7%) had elevated ICP, and 6 patients (35.2%) had normal values. One patient (5.9%) had an asymptomatic small intraparenchymal haemorrhage<1cm3 in CTscan, which did not prevent the liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, intraparenchymal ICP monitoring in patients with ALF seems to be an accurate method with a low risk of complications.

Critical management decisions in patients with acute liver failure

Few admissions to the ICU present a greater clinical challenge than the patient with acute liver failure (ALF), the syndrome of abrupt loss of liver function in a previously unaffected individual. Although advances in the intensive care management of patients with ALF have improved survival, the prognosis of ALF remains poor, with a 33% mortality rate and a 25% liver transplant rate in the United States. ALF adversely affects nearly every organ system, with most deaths occurring from sepsis and subsequent multiorgan system failure, and cerebral edema, resulting in intracranial hypertension (ICH) and brainstem herniation. Unfortunately, the optimal management of ALF remains poorly defined, and practices are often based on local experience and case reports rather than on randomized, controlled clinical trials. The paramount question in any patient presenting with ALF remains defining an etiology, since specific antidotes can save lives and spare the liver. This article will consider recent advances in the assignment of an etiology, the administration of etiology-specific treatment to abate the liver injury, and the management of complications (eg, infection, cerebral edema, and the bleeding diathesis) in patients with ALF. New data on the administration of N-acetylcysteine to patients with non-acetaminophen ALF, the treatment of ICH, and assessment of the need for liver transplantation will also be presented.

Results of a protocol for the management of patients with fulminant liver failure

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of a protocol to support management of intracerebral pressure in patients with fulminant liver failure (FLF).

DESIGN AND SETTING

A prospective series was conducted between May 2004 and September 2006 at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, a 650-bed teaching hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

PATIENTS

We recruited consecutive patients with FLF and stage 3 or 4 encephalopathy.

INTERVENTIONS

We placed an intracranial pressure monitor in each patient and employed a protocol to support decisions regarding hemostatic management and prevention and treatment of intracranial hypertension (IHTN). Treatment modalities included hypothermia, hypocarbia, intravenous pentobarbital, intravenous mannitol and vasopressor titration for maintenance of cerebral perfusion pressure. The main outcome measure was survival in transplant candidates.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-two patients entered the study and 21 (95%) had at least one episode of IHTN. Eighty-two discrete episodes of IHTN occurred, and 78 of these (95%) resolved with treatment. Overall survival was 55%. Eleven of 18 (61%) of transplant candidates survived with good neurologic outcome. No patient died from isolated cerebral edema. Three patients had intracranial hemorrhages related to the intracranial pressure monitor.

CONCLUSIONS

Protocol-driven management of intracranial pressure in FLF can result in good clinical outcomes in most transplant candidates, even if IHTN occurs.

Intensive care of patients with acute liver failure: recommendations of the U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group

OBJECTIVE

To provide a uniform platform from which to study acute liver failure, the U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group has sought to standardize the management of patients with acute liver failure within participating centers.

METHODS

In areas where consensus could not be reached because of divergent practices and a paucity of studies in acute liver failure patients, additional information was gleaned from the intensive care literature and literature on the management of intracranial hypertension in non-acute liver failure patients. Experts in diverse fields were included in the development of a standard study-wide management protocol.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Intracranial pressure monitoring is recommended in patients with advanced hepatic encephalopathy who are awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation. At an intracranial pressure of > or =25 mm Hg, osmotic therapy should be instituted with intravenous mannitol boluses. Patients with acute liver failure should be maintained in a mildly hyperosmotic state to minimize cerebral edema. Accordingly, serum sodium should be maintained at least within high normal limits, but hypertonic saline administered to 145-155 mmol/L may be considered in patients with intracranial hypertension refractory to mannitol. Data are insufficient to recommend further therapy in patients who fail osmotherapy, although the induction of moderate hypothermia appears to be promising as a bridge to orthotopic liver transplantation. Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics should be administered to any patient with acute liver failure who develops signs of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, or unexplained progression to higher grades of encephalopathy. Other recommendations encompassing specific hematologic, renal, pulmonary, and endocrine complications of acute liver failure patients are provided, including their management during and after orthotopic liver transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present consensus details the intensive care management of patients with acute liver failure. Such guidelines may be useful not only for the management of individual patients with acute liver failure, but also to improve the uniformity of practices across academic centers for the purpose of collaborative studies.

Advances in critical care management of hepatic failure and insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Chronic liver disease is becoming an increasingly frequent diagnosis for patients in the intensive care setting with such diagnoses as symptomatic ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, or fulminant hepatic failure.

OBJECTIVE

To review frequent diagnoses for patients with chronic liver disease admitted to the intensive care unit and discuss current concepts in management and investigational modalities.

RESULTS

Patients with new-onset ascites in the intensive care setting should undergo immediate ultrasound to rule out acute thrombosis. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is indicated when control of the refractory ascites or hepatic hydrothorax is required. In patients with hepatorenal syndrome, hemodialysis can be used as a bridge to liver transplantation. Otherwise, hepatorenal syndrome carries a high mortality. When hepatic encephalopathy is present, a precipitating cause should be sought and treated, if identified. Although bioartificial support systems are under active investigation, standard treatment for hepatic encephalopathy is lactulose and alteration of gut flora. Patients with fulminant hepatic failure should be stabilized and transferred to the intensive care unit of a liver transplant center and supported with appropriate airway management, close neurologic evaluation, glucose monitoring, and correction of coagulopathy when there is overt bleeding or an invasive procedure is planned. Intracranial pressure monitoring is recommended to maintain an adequate cerebral perfusion pressure of >60 mm Hg.

CONCLUSION

Review of the literature demonstrates that certain critically ill patients with chronic liver disease may benefit from invasive modalities such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting, hemodialysis, and in some cases, liver transplantation, which may be offered only at tertiary care centers.

A Modeling Study of Bilirubin Kinetics During Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System Sessions

This work presents a quantitative description, by means of a mathematical model, of bilirubin removal during Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System sessions. The model includes four compartments: two for the patient, and two for the albumin circuit. Equations in each compartment express mass preservation, mass exchange between compartments, and bilirubin-albumin binding kinetics. Model development and validation are based on in vivo data of bilirubin concentration acquired in eight sessions at different times during the session. The accuracy of the model in reproducing real data is high (error in blood = -0.3 +/- 0.93 mg/dL), if three parameters, representing the depurative efficacy of the system (the dialysance of the blood filter and the initial and final clearance of the depurative elements in the albumin circuit), are estimated on each single session. However, model accuracy is only slightly deteriorated (error in blood = -0.4 +/- 0.99 mg/dL) if a single set of parameters (fixing the three parameters at their mean values) is adopted. These results suggest that the model may be used a priori (i.e., using a single set of parameters) to achieve a satisfactory prediction of the overall bilirubin removal, as well as a posteriori for the estimation of device parameters. The latter use may allow the investigation of the dependence of these parameters on the operative and clinical conditions, in the effort to arrive at a rationalization and optimization of the treatment.

Acute liver failure in children

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare but devastating illness. Specific therapy to promote liver recovery is often not available, and the underlying cause of the liver failure is often unknown. This article examines current knowledge of the epidemiology, pathobiology, and treatment of ALF in children and identifies potential gaps in this knowledge for future study.

Complications and use of intracranial pressure monitoring in patients with acute liver failure and severe encephalopathy

Monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) in acute liver failure (ALF) is controversial as a result of the reported complication risk (approximately 20%) and limited therapeutic options for intracranial hypertension. Using prospectively collected information from 332 patients with ALF and severe encephalopathy, we evaluated a recent experience with ICP monitoring in the 24 centers constituting the U.S. ALF Study Group. Special attention was given to the rate of complications, changes in management, and outcome after liver transplantation (LT). ICP monitoring was used in 92 patients (28% of the cohort), but the frequency of monitoring differed between centers (P < 0.001). ICP monitoring was strongly associated with the indication of LT (P < 0.001). A survey performed in a subset of 58 patients with ICP monitoring revealed intracranial hemorrhage in 10.3% of the cohort, half of the complications being incidental radiological findings. However, intracranial bleeding could have contributed to the demise of 2 patients. In subjects listed for LT, ICP monitoring was associated with a higher proportion of subjects receiving vasopressors and ICP-related medications. The 30-day survival post-LT was similar in both monitored and nonmonitored groups (85% vs. 85%). In conclusion, the risk of intracranial hemorrhage following ICP monitoring may have decreased in the last decade, but major complications are still present. In the absence of ICP monitoring, however, patients listed for LT appear to be treated less aggressively for intracranial hypertension. In view of the high 30-day survival rate after LT, future studies of the impact of intracranial hypertension should also focus on long-term neurological recovery from ALF.

Preoperative assessment of the patient with liver disease

Patients with liver disease are at appreciable risk when undergoing anesthesia and surgery. Attempts to quantify this risk have been thwarted by the diversity of disease states and illness severity that such patients bring to the operating theater and the myriad of procedures they may undergo. This review discusses the indications and contraindications for surgery in patients with liver disease and attempts to give specific recommendations for optimizing the clinical status of a patient with hepatic dysfunction prior to operative intervention.

Value of albumin dialysis therapy in severe liver insufficiency

A blood purification system, molecular adsorbents re-circulating system (MARS), is based on the removal of both protein-bound and water-soluble substances and toxins in the liver. We treated a total of 88 patients within 2 years. Of these patients, 45 had acute liver failure (ALF), 31 had acute decompensation of chronic liver disease, eight had graft failure and four had miscellaneous conditions. Of the patients with ALF, 80% survived; in 23 patients their own liver recovered and 13 patients underwent successful transplantation. Only 23% of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure survived. Most of them were not considered for transplantation due to their having liver failure from alcoholism and from not abstaining from drinking. MARS is a promising therapy for ALF, allowing the patient's own liver to recover or allowing enough time to find a liver graft. Best results were achieved in patients who had been intoxicated with a lethal dose of toxin. On the other hand, we did not observe much benefit in patients with severe acute-on-chronic liver failure (AcoChr) who did not undergo liver transplantation.

Posttransplant survival in pediatric fulminant hepatic failure: the SPLIT experience

Pediatric patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) tend to be the sickest and have the most urgent need for a liver transplant. The purpose of this analysis was to identify factors associated with posttransplant survival in this subset of patients. Data on all FHF patients registered in the Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) registry from 1995 to 2002 were analyzed. Demographics such as age, gender, race, weight, and etiology of liver disease were recorded. Pretransplant degree of encephalopathy; intubation; dialysis; laboratory parameters such as serum bilirubin and international normalized ratio of coagulopathy (INR); and type of graft: cadaveric whole, cadaveric technical variant, or living donor were analyzed to determine effects on patient survival. Overall, FHF accounted for 12.9% (141 / 1,092) of primary transplants performed between 1995 and 2002. The etiology of liver disease was unknown in the vast majority of children (126 / 141; 89.4%). Mortality while on the waiting list for FHF children is significantly higher than for children with other liver disease (P < .0001). Six-month survival posttransplant for patients with FHF (74.5%) is significantly lower (P < .0001) than those with chronic liver disease (88.9%). A multivariate model demonstrates that the highest risk group includes those children with grade 4 encephalopathy (P < .0001), infants less than 1 year of age (P = .018), and children requiring dialysis prior to transplantation (P = .002). Pretransplant bilirubin and INR were not significant predictors of posttransplant survival after controlling for the other significant factors. Living donor and split / reduced grafts did not have a significantly increased risk of posttransplant death compared to whole grafts. In conclusion, despite advances in the surgical techniques and changes in organ allocation, pediatric patients with FHF continue to have a high pretransplant mortality and less successful posttransplant survival compared to children with chronic liver disease.

A 3-year experience with Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS): our results on 63 patients with hepatic failure and color Doppler US evaluation of cerebral perfusion

In our 3-year experience, we treated 63 patients with Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS). The patients were divided as follows: 10 primary non-function (PNF) 16%, 10 delayed non-function (DNF) 16%, 16 Fulminant hepatitis (FH) 24%, 23 acute decompensation of chronic liver disease (ACLF) 38%, and 4 hepatic resection 6%. All patients who underwent MARS treatment had bilirubin >15 mg/dL, Glasgow Coma Score between 9 and 11, ammonium >160 microg/dL and non-coagulability. The determining factors taken into consideration for the continuation of MARS treatment were: an improvement in Glasgow Coma Score, and a decrease in ammonium and bilirubin. We also monitored hemodynamic parameters, acid-base equilibrium, and blood gas analysis before and after each treatment. In order to determine patients' neurological conditions, we not only took into account the Glasgow Coma Score, which does not give mathematically precise results but also took into account the fact that patients with hepatic coma had lower cerebral mean velocity in the cerebral arteries than patients without encephalopathy. For this reason, in the last 22 patients we monitored cerebral perfusion, determined by mean flow velocity (Vmean) in the middle cerebral artery. Our results were expressed as mean +/- SD and we analyzed the differences between mean values for each variable, before and after treatment by means of Student's t-test. At the end of treatment, we obtained significant P-values for bilirubin, ammonium, Glasgow Coma Score and creatinine. In 16/20 patients, we could demonstrate a clear correlation between the improvement in clinical conditions (especially neurological status) and improvement in cerebral perfusion, measured by color Doppler US.

Fulminant hepatic failure and liver transplantation: experience of Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital

INTRODUCTION

For patients with fulminant hepatic failure who show a poor evolution despite medical treatment, liver transplantation is an option, with survival rates of greater than 50%. The ideal time to perform the transplant is controversial, as it must not be done too soon (when the liver disease is still reversible) or too late (when the patient is in an irreversible clinical situation).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of the clinical histories of 34 patients admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of fulminant hepatic failure included 26 who underwent transplantation. The most frequent cause was viral (n=10, 38%); with no etiology established in 11 cases (42%). Thirteen patients had preoperative complications, the most frequent being renal insufficiency. As for degree of AB0/DR compatibility, 13 cases were identical (40%), 17 compatible (51%), and the other three incompatible (9%).

RESULTS

Thirty-three transplants were performed in 26 patients: four were retransplants due to chronic rejection, two for primary graft failure, and one for hyperacute rejection. The overall mortality rate was 46% (12 patients). The most frequent cause of death was infection (50%). The overall actuarial survival rate was 68% at 1 year, 63% at 3 years, and 59% at 5 years. The factors associated with a poor prognosis were renal and respiratory insufficiency, a grade D electroencephalogram, and encephalopathy grades III and IV, the last being the only prognostic factor identified in the multivariate analysis. The prognostic factors for mortality were a grade D electroencephalogram, encephalopathy grades III and IV and respiratory insufficiency, the last being the only prognostic factor identified in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Good results of transplantation for the management of fulminant hepatic failure depends on optimal selection of transplant candidates, which means identifying them early, reducing the waiting time, and excluding factors associated with a poor prognosis.

[Fulminant hepatic failure and liver transplantation. Experience of the Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca]

INTRODUCTION

Medical treatment for fulminat hepatic failure seeks spontaneous recovery of the liver function, but the results are very discouraging (50-80% mortality). Liver transplantation is an option in patients with a poor evolution despite medical treatment, with survival rates of > 50%. The ideal moment for performing the transplant is controversial, as it should not be done too soon, when the liver disease is still reversible, or tool late, when the patient is in an irreversible clinical situation.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A retrospective review was made of the clinical histories of 34 patients admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of fulminant hepatic failure, of whom 26 underwent transplantation. The most frequent cause was viral, with 10 cases (38%); no aetiology at all could be established in 11 cases (42%). Thirteen patients had preoperative complications, the most frequent being renal insufficiency. As for degree of ABO/DR compatibility, 13 cases were identical (40%), 17 compatible (51%) and the other 3 incompatible (9%).

RESULTS

Thirty-three transplants were performed in 26 patients: 4 were retransplants due to chronic rejection, 2 for primary graft failure and 1 for hyperacute rejection. The overall mortality rate was 46% (12 patients), the most frequent cause of death being infection (50%). The overall actuarial survival rate was 68% at 1 year, 63% at 3 years and 59% at 5 years. The factors of poor prognosis were renal and respiratory insufficiency, a grade D electroencephalogram, and encephalopathy grades III and IV, the latter being the only prognostic factor identified in the multivariate analysis. The prognostic factors for mortality were a grade D electroencephalogram, encephalopathy grades III and IV and respiratory insufficiency, the latter being the only prognostic factor identified in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The achievement of good results with the use of transplantation in the management of fulminant hepatic failure depends on an optimum selection of transplant candidates, which means identifying them early, i.e. early indication for transplant, reduction in mean waiting time and exclusion of factors of poor prognosis.

MARS (Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System): experience in 34 cases of acute liver failure

As reported in the literature, the mortality rates for patients with Acute Hepatic Failure (AHF) approaches 80% in cases in which liver transplantation is not possible. Post-transplant mortality mostly depends on the severity of the neurological condition at the time of the operation (20% in I-II degree coma patients and 44% in III degree coma patients). The primary indications for liver transplantation in AHF are Fulminant Hepatitis (FH)(93%), Subfulminant Hepatitis (5%) and other indications (2%). Other causes of AHF are Primary Non-Function (PNF) and Delayed Function (DF), which occur in 7-10%. Therefore it becomes necessary to monitor the patients with a Liver Support Device to be able to improve the clinical condition of the patients before liver transplantation (LT). In our experience we used the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) (MARS Monitor; Teraklin AG, Rostock Germany), which enables the selective removal of albumin-bound substances accumulating in liver failure by the use of albumin-enriched dialysate. The system is used as a bridging device to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) of patients with FHF. We studied 34 patients, including 16 males and 18 females: 9 were affected by Primary-Non-Function (PNF), nine by Fulminant Hepatitis (FH), six by Delayed-Non-Function (DNF), and ten by Acute on Chronic Hepatic Failure (AOCHF). The average age of the patients was 41.8 years and the average number of applications was 6.4; the median length of application was about eight hours. The parameters that we monitored, before and after each treatment, were neurological status (EEG, cerebral CT, Glasgow Coma Score), haemodynamic parameters, acid base equilibrium, and blood gas analysis. We also monitored hepatic and renal function. In addition, the clinical conditions of the patients were monitored using kidney and liver ultrasound/ultrasonography (US). Inclusion criteria were bilirubin > 15 mg/dL, ammonia > 160 micro g/dL and a Glasgow Coma Score between 6 and 11. The reduction of bilirubin and ammonia were very significant (P < 0.01), whereas the changes of International Normalized Ratio (INR) were not significant. Also the modifications of albumin, total protein, sodium, potassium and calcium were not significant. In conclusion, four out of nine patients with PNF are alive without a second transplantation and were discharged after about 48 days; four out of nine underwent OLT, while one out of nine died; five out of six patients with DF are alive without a second transplantation, and they were discharged after an average time of 55.5 days, one out of six died; six out of nine patients with fulminant hepatitis underwent OLT and four of these are alive, while two died due to sepsis; three patients are alive without OLT. Four patients with AOCHF underwent OLT and are alive, three patients are alive and on a waiting list, two died while on a waiting list and one patient who experienced reactivation of HBV infection during chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is alive. In spite of the limited number of cases of our study, we believe that MARS can be applied with high tolerance for a very long period of time. In addition, its repeatability allows it to be used in patients with DNF and FH as a bridge to transplant. In patients with DNF, it is used while waiting for complete recovery of the transplanted organ.

Fulminant hepatic failure

Fulminant hepatic failure is a disease of varied causes and a high mortality rate. A sudden onset, jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, and multiorgan failure are the hallmarks of this syndrome. The management of patients with FHF requires a multidisciplinary approach and intense monitoring. The availability of liver transplantation has provided the means to rescue such patients from near-certain death. Early prognostication and timely availability of donor livers are requirements for a successful outcome. The development of effective artificial liver support devices may greatly prolong the window of opportunity to provide a donor liver, or alternatively, to allow the native liver to regenerate.

Acute pancreatitis and fulminant hepatic failure

BACKGROUND

The association of acute pancreatitis with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) was first recognized in 1973. Since then, few studies have described the clinical profile of the FHF patient with acute pancreatitis. Identification of the distinguishing attributes of pancreatitis in combination with FHF will provide a more sound basis for clinical management. The purposes of this study were to identify distinguishing clinical characteristics of acute pancreatitis in FHF and to compare outcomes with those of patients with acutely decompensated chronic liver disease and acute pancreatitis (DECOMP).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective survey of 30 patients with FHF and 30 with DECOMP admitted during the period July 1995 to July 1997.

RESULTS

The prevalence of acute pancreatitis in FHF and DECOMP was 33% and 23%, respectively. Acute pancreatitis was associated with severe hepatocellular synthetic dysfunction, renal insufficiency, requirement for endotracheal intubation, increased acuity of illness at the time of ICU admission, more rapid decompensation during the disease, and significantly greater mortality in both the FHF and DECOMP groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In both FHF and DECOMP, acute pancreatitis increases disease acuity and mortality. Acute pancreatitis does not occur with significantly greater frequency in FHF. Implementation of orthotopic liver transplantation may not be warranted in this setting.

Intensive Care of the Intra-Abdominal Organ Transplant Recipient

The postoperative care of a patient who receives an intra-abdominal organ transplant is in some ways simi lar to that of any major intra-abdominal procedure. However, certain features unique to organ transplanta tion, such as the variable functional status of the newly transplanted graft, complications that are specific to the organ transplanted, and the side effects from immuno suppressive drugs, suggest that transplantation inten sive care is a distinct subspecialty in critical care medicine. Today, the majority of patients receiving an intra-abdominal transplant will have a relatively uncom plicated postoperative course. However, preoperative disposition, intraoperative misadventure, or immediate postoperative difficulty will require the availability of an intensivist experienced in transplantation. The future of intra-abdominal transplantation will be highly depen dent on progress in immunotherapy. Newer, more spe cific immunomodulators with fewer nonimmune toxici ties should result in improved organ receptance, less graft dysfunction, and improved patient survival.

Long-term follow-up of auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation for the treatment of fulminant hepatic failure

BACKGROUND

Auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation (AOLT) was investigated as a bridge to native liver recovery in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).

METHODS

In the last 5 years seven patients with FHF were treated with AOLT at our institution. Five patients underwent resection of the native left lobe and orthotopic replacement with a donor left lobe (n = 3) or left lateral segment (n = 2). Two patients underwent left trisegmentectomy and whole liver auxiliary grafting. Conventional immunosuppression was used in all patients.

RESULTS

One patient had poor initial graft function and required retransplantation. Native liver function returned to normal in the six other patients. Immunosuppression was gradually tapered and completely discontinued in three patients, allowing for atrophy of the allograft. The allograft was removed in the other four patients. Despite evidence of native liver regeneration, two patients with aplastic anemia died after allograft removal. Four patients are alive at a mean follow-up of 3.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

AOLT is technically feasible, rapidly restores liver function, and should be considered an important alternative to standard orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in the treatment of FHF. AOLT has the advantage that patients transplanted for FHF are not committed to lifelong immunosuppression with its attendant risks.

Treatment of hepatic failure--1996: current concepts and progress toward liver dialysis

Liver failure, especially in its acute form, is a medical emergency that quickly leads to failure of multiple other organs. Many of these end-organ failures can be supported temporarily by drugs or medical devices, but the support is invariably short-lived if liver function is not restored. In most instances, liver function can only be restored by transplantation, although patients with acute disease have the potential to recover by regeneration ("spontaneous recovery"). Unfortunately, spontaneous recovery from acute liver failure is uncommon, so the two most important aspects of patient management are highly skilled intensive care and early recognition of patients in need of liver transplantation. Even under these circumstances, the mortality of liver failure remains high because we have no easy way of replacing liver function on demand and donor organs are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain in time. The development of techniques for liver assist offer the possibility that patients with liver failure will become a simple management problem, analogous to the options available in the treatment of acute and chronic renal failure.

Liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure: importance of renal failure

One hundred eighty-one consecutive patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) presenting in a 2-year period were reviewed. In this cohort we examined the impact of pretransplant renal failure on mortality and morbidity following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx). Twenty-seven patients (18 female, 9 male) with a median age of 43.5 years (range 19-65 years) underwent OLTx. FHF was due to idiosyncratic drug reaction (n = 4), paracetamol overdose (n = 3), seronegative hepatitis (n = 17), hepatitis B (n = 1), veno-occlusive disease (n = 1), and Wilson's disease (n = 1). Renal failure was present in 14 patients, 7 of whom died (whereas there was 100% survival in patients without renal failure). Pretransplant renal failure was associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (13 days vs 6 days, P = 0.05), prolonged intensive care stay (17 days vs 8 days, P = 0.01) and prolonged hospital stay (27 vs 21 days, P = NS). Pretransplant renal failure did not predict renal dysfunction at 1 year after OLTx. We conclude that the survival of patients transplanted for FHF is inferior to that of patients transplanted for chronic liver disease (67% vs 88% 1-year survival in Birmingham). For patients with FHF undergoing transplantation, pretransplant renal failure strongly predicts poor outcome with significantly greater consumption of resources.