Therapeutic plasma exchange in acute liver failure.

Background: Multi-organ dysfunction in acute liver failure (ALF) has been attributed to a systemic inflammatory response directly triggered by the injured liver. High-volume therapeutic plasma exchange (HV-TPE) has been demonstrated in a large randomized controlled trial to improve survival. Here, we investigated if a more cost-/ resource effective low-volume (LV) TPE strategy might have comparable beneficial effects.

Outcomes of renal dysfunction in patients with acute liver failure.

Background: Although acute kidney injury (AKI) often accompanies acute liver failure (ALF), its impact on long-term outcome is unknown.

Objective: This study examines the incidence, severity and outcomes of AKI in patients with ALF.

Methods: A total of 134 ALF patients treated at Hannover Medical School between 1995 and 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.

How to Define Acute Liver Failure Patients with Pre-Existing Liver Disease without Signs of Cirrhosis.

Background: The definition of acute liver failure (ALF) usually implies no previous liver injury. Though, some patients admitted to liver transplantation centers with the diagnosis of ALF are obese or have diabetes. Elevated liver enzymes were not recorded previously, and no signs of cirrhosis or prior decompensation of the liver function were ever present.

Endothelial dysfunction following coronary artery bypass grafting : Influence of patient and procedural factors.

Background: Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2) mediates endothelial dysfunction (ED) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Its triggers are, however, poorly understood.

Methods: We examined the time course of ED beyond the early phase of postoperative recovery in 75 patients following CABG with a special focus on different cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) modes as potential triggers of Angpt2 release.

Predictive value of ScvO monitoring for pericardial tamponade after cardiac surgery.

Background: We examined the predictive value of central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) changes regarding the occurrence of pericardial tamponade following cardiac surgery.

Methods: We retrospectively identified 66 consecutive patients in whom ScvO2 and arterial lactate levels were analyzed during an 8‑h time interval preceding pericardiotomy due to pericardial tamponade (PT), and at equivalent time points in 30 control patients (C) who had an uncomplicated course.

Results: The median age of the patients was 74 years (interquartile range, 63-78).