Efficacy of Albumin Dialysis to Treat Patients With Hepatic Encephalopathy Using The Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS)
Hepatic Encephalopathy, Liver Failure, Hepatitis, Chronic
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Hepatic Encephalopathy focused on measuring Hepatic Encephalopathy, End Stage Liver Disease, Cirrhosis, MARS, Albumin Dialysis
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Signed written informed consent by patient or patient's legally appointed representative Be at least 18 years of age; male or female Have chronic end stage liver disease with worsening Hepatic Encephalopathy (Grades 3,4). Exclusion Criteria: Clinically significant bleeding from gastrointestinal or other site within the last 24 hours and requires 2 or more units of blood to maintain a stable hemoglobin level Hemodynamically unstable or on vasopressor agents for blood pressure support (except for renal-dosed dopamine) On acute or chronic hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) Pregnancy Inability to obtain informed consent Uncontrolled sepsis as defined by hemodynamic instability Post-liver transplant Fulminant hepatic failure Irreversible brain damage as indicated by the neurologic examination and CT imaging Endocarditis Pulmonary edema Massive aspiration pneumonia secondary to Hepatic Encephalopathy Active alcohol consumption as determined by a positive blood ethanol level on enrollment/admission Acute main portal vein thrombosis in patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Sites / Locations
- University of Alabama
- University of California, San Diego
- Northwestern University
- University of Michigan
- Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center
- University of Virginia
- UZ Gasthuisberg
- University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Group 1: Standard Medical Therapy + MARS
Group 2: Standard Medical Therapy Only
Patients who were randomized to Group 1 received daily MARS treatments in addition to Standard Medical Therapy for 5 consecutive days.
Patients who were randomized to Group 2 received standard medical treatment only.