Molecular adsorbent recirculating system in dealing with maternal Amanita poisoning during the second pregnancy trimester: a case report.

BACKGROUND

A 27-year-old woman in her 20th week of pregnancy was hospitalized because of food poisoning caused by Amanita phalloides.

METHODS

Previously extracorporeal purification treatments with 2 times of hemodialysis plus hemoperfusion and a high volume therapeutic plasma exchange (PE) in addition to intensive medication during the first 8 days failed to improve hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and liver function but developed deep coma with severe blood chemistry and signs of threatened abortion.

RESULTS

Treatments with intermittent molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) for 3 times resulted in an immediate improvement of liver function and clinical symptoms including HE and threatened abortion until her fully recovery. When the life-threatening maternal illness was cured gestation went on until premature birth at the 36th week of pregnancy, and the infant underwent an undisturbed development.

CONCLUSION

MARS method appears to be an optimal therapy for patients with acute liver failure secondary to cytoxic mushroom poisoning during pregnancy.