Objective: To observe and investigate the efficacy of the hybrid artificial liver support system plus liver transplantation in the treatments of patients with severe viral hepatitis.
Methods: Eight severe viral hepatitis patients with metaphase and advanced stage liver failure received the artificial liver support using a self-command extracorporeal hybrid artificial liver support system and orthotopic liver transplantation after the artificial support for 3-14 days.
Results: The liver failure of the 8 patients was controlled by the hybrid artificial liver support effectively. All patients were successfully bridged to orthotopic liver transplantation. Four out of the eight patients survived after transplantation. Four patients died of pulmonary infection or hepatorenal syndrome.
Conclusions: Artificial liver support system combined with liver transplantation can be regarded as an efficient measure for the treatment of metaphase and advanced stage patients of severe viral hepatitis.