Albumin dialysis: an update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the current literature about albumin dialysis-based liver support.

RECENT FINDINGS

The literature suggests that the molecular adsorbent recirculating system of albumin dialysis is a useful tool to treat acute liver failure, decompensated chronic liver disease, and to provide a bridge for patients to liver transplantation. The reported clinical benefits include an improvement in central and local haemodynamics as well as organ functions (liver, brain, kidney). The treatment can contribute to liver regeneration and prolongation of patient survival. Proper patient selection is critical for clinical success.

SUMMARY

Albumin regeneration has developed into a central component of modern liver support technologies. Albumin dialysis using the molecular adsorbent recirculating system is the most frequently used and best studied liver support technique at present time. Ongoing and future clinical studies will help define the place of albumin dialysis in liver failure therapy.