New studies help establish potential of artificial liver support devices
Vienna, Austria, Friday 16th April 2010: Results from two studies presented today at the International Liver CongressTM 2010 have shown that treatment with extracorporeal devices may not confer a survival advantage for severe liver failure patients, despite positive dialysis effects. However, results among a small sub-group of patients show promise. Extracorporeal liver support therapy is in its infancy but is valued as a detoxification treatment option for patients with cirrhosis who have rapid worsening of their liver function. The objectives of these two studies were to better understand the potential of two new devices (Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System – MARS - and Prometheus®) in terms of survival benefits for patients who suffer from cirrhosis.
Commenting on the studies, Professor Burroughs from the Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust, London UK, said: "The accepted prognosis for these patients is generally poor and current treatment strategies involve supportive therapy, with the hope that liver function will recover if sufficient time is allowed. Extracorporeal support systems such as the two included in these studies are very useful bridges, but the overall data on survival is disappointing. The positive data for severely ill patients with hepatorenal syndrome I or a MELD score over 30, though, does offer some encouragement".
Source: European Association for the Study of the Liver
Articles on the same topic
- High dose UDCA therapy does not improve overall liver histology in obesity related hepatitisFri, 16 Apr 2010, 14:38:16 UTC
- New phase II study supports potential of gs-9450 as new treatment option for steatohepatitisFri, 16 Apr 2010, 14:38:15 UTC
- G1 HCV patients who achieve an early viral response can be successfully treated within 6 monthsFri, 16 Apr 2010, 14:38:14 UTC
- New insights into treatment options for patients suffering from severe alcoholic hepatitisFri, 16 Apr 2010, 14:38:00 UTC
- Genetic signatures provide new direction in liver cancerFri, 16 Apr 2010, 13:29:15 UTC
- Clinical advancesFri, 16 Apr 2010, 12:19:32 UTC
- Study shows potential benefit of dark chocolate for liver disease patientsThu, 15 Apr 2010, 15:31:12 UTC
- Innovation in scienceThu, 15 Apr 2010, 13:42:53 UTC
Other sources
- Genetic signatures provide new direction in liver cancerfrom Science BlogFri, 16 Apr 2010, 15:07:53 UTC
- New insights into treatment options for patients suffering from severe alcoholic hepatitisfrom Science BlogFri, 16 Apr 2010, 15:07:50 UTC
- New insights into treatment options for patients suffering from severe alcoholic hepatitisfrom PhysorgFri, 16 Apr 2010, 14:50:07 UTC
- New studies help establish potential of artificial liver support devicesfrom Science BlogFri, 16 Apr 2010, 14:29:06 UTC
- Genetic signatures provide new direction in liver cancerfrom PhysorgFri, 16 Apr 2010, 14:29:00 UTC
- Clinical advancesfrom Science BlogFri, 16 Apr 2010, 12:14:34 UTC
- Study shows potential benefit of dark chocolate for liver disease patientsfrom PhysorgThu, 15 Apr 2010, 19:18:42 UTC
- Potential benefit of dark chocolate for liver disease patientsfrom Science DailyThu, 15 Apr 2010, 16:09:40 UTC
- Innovation in sciencefrom Science BlogThu, 15 Apr 2010, 13:35:36 UTC