Liver Dialysis Unit(R) system
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
Record ID 32000000867
English
Authors' objectives:
This report aims to summarise the available evidence on the use of the Liver Dialysis Unit(R) system in the treatment of acute hepatic failure with encephalopathy.
Authors' recommendations:
The Liver Dialysis Unit(R) system is a sobent-based, blood detoxification system, consisting of a dialysis unit and a disposable treatment kit. It is designed for the treatment of acute hepatic encephalopathy, drug overdose and poisonings. It has been approved by the FDA for patients suffering from hepatic failure. It is currently used at 18 sites across the USA but is not available in Canada.
The Liver Dialysis Unit(R) is capable of removing various toxins and chemicals from the blood. It can also balance electrolytes, nutrients and the fluid status of the patient.
There are certain limitations to the use of the Liver Dialysis Unit(R) for the treatment of drug overdose. Further, the Liver Dialysis Unit(R) is not indicated for the treatment of chronic liver conditions or as a bridge to liver transplant.
A total of 75 patients were evaluated across the studies. Selection criteria included hepatic failure, encephalopathy Grades 2 to 4, and potential for liver recovery or transplantation. The treated group received daily treatments with the Liver Dialysis Unit over a period of 3 to 5 days.
Efficacy was measured using neurologic improvement, physiologic improvement, and patient outcomes (such as survival to discharge) as primary variables. Treatment with the Liver Dialysis Unit(R) was found to be a good predictor of patient outcome for patients with Grade 3 encephalopathy.
Authors' methods:
Overview
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2000
URL for published report:
https://www.ihe.ca/advanced-search?type=1020
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Canada
MeSH Terms
- Dialysis
- Hepatic Encephalopathy
- Liver Failure, Acute
Contact
Organisation Name:
Institute of Health Economics
Contact Address:
1200, 10405 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 3N4. Tel: +1 780 448 4881; Fax: +1 780 448 0018;
Contact Name:
djuzwishin@ihe.ca
Contact Email:
djuzwishin@ihe.ca
Copyright:
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.