Efficacy of albumin dialysis as a bridge to transplantation in children with end-stage liver disease

Abstract

Liver transplantation is the only effective treatment modality for end-stage liver disease. However, donor organs are not always available. In some cases, the gravity of the patient’s condition makes transplantation impossible. In this regard, the use of artificial liver support systems helps in preparing a patient for transplant surgery. Objective: to conduct a retrospective study aimed at evaluating the efficiency of fractionated plasma separation and adsorption system. Materials and methods. From January 2019 to May 2020, 139 pediatric liver transplants were. We analyzed the data of 5 pediatric patients (2 girls and 3 boys, aged 12 to 17 years) who received fractionated plasma separation and adsorption (FPSA) sessions as a bridge to transplantation. The main clinical indication for FPSA was severe hepatic encephalopathy (grade 3 according to the West Haven Criteria), which was observed at 350–872 μmol/L (average 597 ± 98 μmol/L) serum bilirubin level. The FPSA sessions were conducted on a Prometheus device using AV-600 hemofilters as dialyzers (Fresenius Medical Care, Germany). Results. Depending on the extent of bilirubinemia in patients, it took from one (in one case) to three (in one case) daily FPSA sessions to restore clear consciousness, appetite and physical activity. Average bilirubin levels after treatment cycles decreased from 597 ± 98 to 236 ± 73 μmol/L. All patients successfully underwent liver transplant surgery within two to five days, two patients received a liver fragment from a living related donor. Conclusion. The FPSA system stabilizes the condition of potential recipients with acute liver failure. Further research is required to develop optimal regimens for albumin dialysis.