Combination of plasma exchange and continuous hemofiltration as temporary metabolic support for patients with acute liver failure.

The combination of plasma exchange and continuous hemofiltration was applied to patients with acute liver failure, and its clinically advantageous effects were evaluated. This procedure was found to be a powerful approach in decreasing patient morbidity; however, the effect was temporary and the patients finally died. Efforts to eliminate the hepatitis virus, which is the main etiology of hepatic necrosis in Japan, are urgent to salvage patients with fulminant liver failure.