Treatment of canine acute liver failure with modified extracorporeal pigliver perfusion

Objective: To study the theraputic effect of extracorporeal liver perfusion on the treatment of acute liver failure. Methods: Mongrel dogs weighing 12-14 kg were selected. Hepatic failure was induced by an end-to-side portacaval shunt. The common hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries were occluded for 2 hours. To the control group (n = 7), the dogs received standard medical therapy. To the treating group (n = 10), the dogs received extracorporeal kidney and liver perfusion at the onset of the occlusion of the hepatic artery. During the liver support, the animals were frequently monitored regarding their clinical state, liver function, biochemical and hematological parameters. Results: After the occlusion of the liver blood flow, all dogs died within 3-7. 5 hours. The average survival time was (5.7 ± 1.2) hours. Serum levels of ALT, AST, LDH and ammonia increased significantly. In the treating group, the dogs died within 7-10.5 hours. The average survival time was 8.6±1.1 hours. There were no significant diferences in serum levels of ALT, AST, LDH between the two groups(P>0.05). There were dramatic diferences in blood Ammonia level, PT, FIB between the two groups(P<0.05). The survival time was longer in treating group. The animals' blood pressure were more stable in the treating group than that in the control group. Conclusion: The modified xenogenic liver perfusion can provide necessary hepatic function for the acute liver failure dogs.