Biochemical and hematological parameters during extracorporeal heterologous perfusion with a porcine liver in acute liver failure

: The authors report on biochemical and hematologic investigations during 6 extracorporeal heterologous perfusions by means of porcine livers in 4 patients suffering from acute hepatic failure. The findings stress the functioning of porcine liver in the extracorporeal system. All livers produced bile with higher values of bilirubin and pH than found in serum. At each perfusion the serum levels of bilirubin decreased. Activities of serum enzymes (GOT, GPT, GLDH, gamma-GT, alkaline phosphatase) and the levels of potassium and sodium behaved differently. This could be explained by different damages of the porcine livers during perfusion which always occur. In 3 perfusions decreased leucocyte counts were observed, explicable immunologically. Extracorporeal heterologous perfusion by means of an alien liver is considered a possible way for temporary replacement of liver function and for removing toxins from the host. Success in single cases with reasonable indication are considered possible. The patients endured the perfusions well. After transitory improvement of their general conditions they succumbed from their severe diseases, though.