[Plasma separation and bilirubin adsorption therapy in excessive hyperbilirubinemia after liver transplantation].

Abstract

Reduction of bilirubin levels by various means has been proposed as symptomatic therapy for excessive jaundice in various end-stage liver diseases, since it exerts multiple toxic effects and may thereby promote multiple organ failure. Plasma separation and bilirubin adsorption by an anion-exchange column (BR-350) performed in four patients with excessive hyperbilirubinemia after liver transplantation resulted in a 29%-70% reduction in total serum bilirubin, accompanied by significant improvement of multiple organ failure or encephalopathy in three patients. Bilirubin adsorption may be beneficial in complicated jaundice after hepatic transplantation and should further be evaluated for its clinical indications.