Special issue of Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis: Cell-Free Artificial Liver Support

01 May 2006 - 22:32 Filed in: Publications
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An ideal extracorporeal liver support system has to provide the main functions of the liver: detoxification, synthesis and regulation. But do we need such an ideal in all clinical situations and can we afford it? The critical issue of the clinical syndrome in liver failure is the accumulation of toxins not cleared by the failing liver. This understanding led to the development of cell-free artificial liver support systems. This special issue of Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis is dedicated to cell-free artificial liver support, intended to give engineering scientists, inventors and clinical investigators an update and a better insight into the development and clinical evaluation of cell-free liver support systems. It gives an update on the status quo, both clinically and technically, of different concepts and discusses the current limitations as well as possible solutions. When compared to the cell-based systems, these devices are characterized by easier logistics, lower costs, and absence of hazards related to the cell source. These might be the reasons for being well ahead of the bioartificial concepts in terms of clinical evaluation and application.
Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis, April 2006 - Vol. 10 Issue 2:
S. Mitzner et al.: Albumin Regeneration in Liver Support—Comparison of Different Methods J. Patzer: Principles of Bound Solute Dialysis J. Vienken et al.: How Can Liver Toxins be Removed? Filtration and Adsorption With the Prometheus System K. Rifai et al.: Review Article: Clinical Experience With Prometheus J. Rozga et al.: A Novel Plasma Filtration Therapy for Hepatic Failure: Preclinical Studies S.R. Ash: Sorbent Suspensions vs. Sorbent Columns for Extracorporeal Detoxification in Hepatic Failure D. Falkenhagen: Fluidized Bed Adsorbent Systems for Extracorporeal Liver Support L.J. Li: Artificial Liver Support System in China: A Review Over the Last 30 Years R.A.F.M. Chamuleau: Bioartificial Liver: Its Pros and Cons W. Bernal et al.: Cell-Free Artificial Liver Support: Design of Appropriate Clinical Studies with a guest editorial by I.M. Sauer and U. Baurmeister: Cell-Free Artificial Liver Support.