Systemic hemodynamic effects of treatment with the molecular adsorbents recirculating system in patients with hyperacute liver failure: A prospective controlled trial

Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of a single treatment with the molecular adsorbents recirculating system (MARS) on systemic hemodynamics and oxygen consumption (VO2) in patients with hyperacute liver failure (HALF). In a controlled design, eight patients with HALF were assigned to a 6-hour MARS treatment, and five patients, to a control group that was mechanically cooled to match the MARS group. Systemic hemodynamic variables were determined hourly during the study period. In the MARS group, systemic vascular resistance index increased by 46% from 1,215 ± 437 to 1,778 ± 710 dynes·s·cm-5·m-2 (P < .0001), which significantly exceeded a 6% increase in the control group. Mean arterial pressure increased from 69 ± 5 to 83 ± 11 mm Hg in the MARS group (P < .05). Arterial lactate and pH levels were unchanged. In conclusion, systemic hemodynamic values tend to normalize, whereas systemic VO2 decreases during MARS treatment in patients with HALF. These effects cannot be explained by the degree of cooling associated with MARS.