Liver Support Systems: A 1978 Perspective |
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Authors: | Klaus D. Kulbe |
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Affiliation: | Fraimhofer-Institut fur Granzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik, Eierstraβe 46, 7000 Stuttgart I, Federal Republic of Germany |
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Abstract: | The present status of support systems and devices for the injured liver is reviewed with emphasis on both long-term and short-term substitution. Long-term replacement can only be possible by the grafting or transplantation of a human and/or other primate liver. Most artificial systems may be applied for short-term biological and technical substitution, e.g., by hemodialysis/hemoperfusion through adsorbents and resins. More sophisticated devices for detoxification of blood or cell-free plasma in acute liver failure should combine the catalytic specificity of immobilized microsomal enzymes with the adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal, resins and affinity gels. |
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Keywords: | fulminant hepatic failure, liver transplantation, hepatic assist hemoperfusion, hepatic microsomal enzymes, adsorbents, resins, plasma/blood cell separation |
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