Abstract

OLIVARI, Daniela; VALVERDE, Marcelo  and  GERONA, Solange. Artificial Hepatic Support System: When, to whom and why?. Rev. Urug. Med. Int. [online]. 2017, vol.2, n.1, pp.13-20. ISSN 2393-6797.

Liver Failure is a health problem because of its incidence and high mortality in short terms (40% to 80%). The sudden impairment of liver function leads to its characteristic clinical manifestations with the development of hepatic encephalopathy, jaundice, coagulation disturbances, increased susceptibility to infections, hemodynamic instability, hepatorenal syndrome and multiorgan failure. It may develop in patients without preexisting liver disease (Acute Liver Failure) or in patients with chronic liver disease with an acute decompensation (Acute on Chronic Liver Failure). Liver transplantation is the only therapeutic choice with demonstrated benefit on survival. However it cannot always be done due to the shortage of donor organs and/or the presence of contraindications. In this scenario the extracorporeal liver support system Prometheus® available in Uruguay is really important for maintaining the patient s condition until the spontaneous recovery of the liver function or until a donor organ becomes available.

Keywords : Liver Failure; Acute Liver Failure; Acute on Chronic Liver Failure; Liver Transplantation; Prometheus^®.

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