Abstract

MORA, J. M. et al. MARS (molecular absorbent recirculatingsystem) as hepatic extracorporeal carein serious acute liver failure of alcoholic etiology. Med. Intensiva [online]. 2006, vol.30, n.8, pp.402-406. ISSN 0210-5691.

Acute liver failure with criteria of seriousness and alcoholic etiology is a picture of worldwide distribution, with an elevated mortality, of approximately 50%, that requires admission to the ICU. Acute serious alcoholic hepatitis is defined by a Maddrey score value > 32 and/or spontaneous encephalopathy. Together with the classical treatment with corticosteroids and nutritional supplements, alcoholic abstinence and others such as anti-TNF therapy, we introduce MARS (Molecular Adsorbent recirculating System) as a extracorporeal liver assistance system with detoxification function, that is presented as a support measure that makes it possible to maintain the patient in good conditions until an organ becomes available or until the functional recovery of the native liver. In our case, MARS has shown some spectacular results and above all, results maintained over time, associated to the rest of the therapeutic measures characteristic of this disease.

Keywords : acute liver failure; alcoholic hepatitis; MARS.