Journal of Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Medicine 2010 , Vol 1, Issue 1
The Current Status of Non-Biologic Liver Support in the Treatment of Liver Failure
Yücel Yankol 1 , Burak Koçak 1 , Turhan Kanmaz 1 , Koray Acarlı 1 , Münci Kalayoğlu 1 , İlhan Ocak 2 , Kadir Doğruer 2
1İstanbul Memorial Hastanesi, Organ Nakli ve Genel Cerrahi Bölümü, Şişli, İstanbul, Türkiye
2İstanbul Memorial Hastanesi, Yoğun Bakım Ünitesi, Şişli, İstanbul, Türkiye

Hepatic failure is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Up to date, no realistic alternative to liver transplantation for permanent liver replacement has been developed. Liver support systems have been developed to support patients with borderline functional mass until their liver recovers or until a donor liver becomes available for transplantation. The major limitation to the provision of effective liver support is lack of a clear understanding of the pathophysiology of liver failure. In the current era, liver support systems are divided into biologic, non-biologic and bio-artificial (hybrid) liver support systems. In Turkey, as in other European countries, the non-biologic liver support systems are commonly preferred for liver support. We reviewed the operative principles, treatment algorithm, complications and current status of non-biologic liver support systems.

Keywords : Liver failure, non-biologic liver support systems, renal replacement therapy