Artificial liver

1999/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza

People with liver disease may be hopeful. In fact, bioartificial livers similar to those of dialysis have been launched in two hospitals in Seville and Barcelona. The death rate due to epatic disease was very high (around 98%), since not enough livers were obtained for transplants. From now on, patients will be able to remain in good condition until they find the right spare liver for them.

The artificial liver, in addition to sanding six hours a day, adds pork hepatocytes to the blood, with which it has obtained spectacular results in the US during 10 years of testing. The increase in porcine hepatocytes has sometimes cured the patient. According to those responsible for the hospital in Seville, the survival of patients treated with this machine is 90% (including those transplanted). The two machines installed in these two hospitals are included in the test program of the American company that manufactures them and for the moment will be used exclusively by the most serious patients. The test will last for one year and will also be extended to France, Germany and Belgium.