One of the therapeutic approaches in acute liver failure is the use of an artificial system replacing hepatic function--bioartificial liver. Its application is the most perspective in fulminant liver failure during preparation for transplantation of the liver (so-called bridge to transplantation) or in case of a non-functioning hepatic graft, and to reduce the mortality and morbidity of patients with acute liver failure where transplantation is not indicated or where a suitable graft was not found. The authors discuss briefly the construction of these systems, analyze different indications of treatment and its results, obscure questions and perspectives of further development.

Interní gastroenterologická klinika FN Brno