Question

Write briefly on extracorporeal therapies in acute liver failure.

Hint:

Extracorporeal therapies are essential in providing temporary relief in acute liver failure, but a liver transplant remains the definitive treatment.

Answer 1

Extracorporeal therapies in acute liver failure (ALF) are interventions aimed at temporarily supporting liver function until the liver either recovers or a liver transplant is performed. These therapies help in removing toxins, excess fluids, and waste products that the liver can no longer filter due to its failure.
Step 1: Types of Extracorporeal Therapies:
1. Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT): Used to manage fluid balance and remove waste products, especially in patients with acute renal failure.
2. Plasmapheresis: A process in which plasma is removed and replaced to remove harmful substances from the blood.
3. Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS): A system that filters toxins from the blood using albumin dialysis. It helps in detoxifying the blood by removing albumin-bound substances.
4. Liver Dialysis: Similar to kidney dialysis, this therapy filters waste products from the blood, though it is not a long-term solution.
Step 2: Effectiveness and Limitations:
These therapies are only temporary measures and do not replace the liver's regenerative capabilities. They can stabilize patients and buy time for either recovery or liver transplant but are not curative on their own.