Clinical experience with molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) in patients with drug-induced liver failure

Artif Organs. 2004 May;28(5):483-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1594.2004.00010.x.

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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure / chemically induced
  • Liver Failure / mortality
  • Liver Failure / therapy*
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Liver, Artificial*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome