In vivo experiments with powder charcoal haemoperfusion (filmadsorber) in a pig model of hepatic failure
van Berlo, A.M.; de Groot, G.H.; Schalm, S.W.; Jansen, P.P.; de Vries, E.H.; Fick, T.; Reuvers, C.; Boks, A.L.
International Journal of Artificial Organs 8(6): 335-340
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0391-3988 PMID: 4077293 Document Number: 251247
The filmadsorber, an experimental haemoperfusion column containing activated powder charcoal embedded in a colloidal film, has been tested in pigs with ischaemic necrosis of the liver. Haemoperfusion with a flow of 200 ml/min was performed for a duration of 4 to 6 hours. Bile acid clearances varied between .+-. 52 ml/min (1st hour) and .+-. 23 ml/min (6th hour). Clearances for aromatic amino acids were initially even higher (phenylalanine 115, tyrosine 112 and methionine 46 ml/min). No ammonia was removed. Side-effects were minimal, although platelets fell 24 .+-. 15%. We conclude that haemoperfusion with the filmadsorber is well tolerated and associated with high clearances for bile acids and some amino acids, particularly in the first hours of treatment.