Therapeutic effect of double plasma molecular adsorption system and sequential half‐dose plasma exchange in patients with HBV‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure

Abstract Objective The artificial liver support system (ALSS) is used frequently as a first‐line treatment for hepatitis B virus‐associated acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (HBV‐ACLF). This study aims to compare the therapeutic efficacy of double plasma molecular adsorption system (DPMAS) with sequential half‐dose plasma exchange (PE) (DPMAS+PE) and full‐dose PE in patients with HBV‐ACLF. Methods A total of 131 hospitalized patients who were diagnosed with HBV‐ACLF and underwent DPMAS+PE or PE were retrospectively analyzed. According to the treatment methods used, they were divided into PE group ( n = 77) and DPMAS+PE group ( n = 54). The main evaluation indexes included the change of liver function and the 28‐days liver transplant‐free survival rates after the different treatments. Results There were no significant differences on severity of illness between PE group and DPMAS+PE group ( P > 0.05). The total bilirubin (TBIL) levels immediately after treatment, and at 24 and 72 hours after treatment were markedly decreased in DPMAS+PE group than that in PE group (52.3 ± 9.4% vs 42.3 ± 7.2%, P < 0.05; 24.2 ± 10.0% vs 13.5 ± 13.0%, P < 0.05; 24.8 ± 13.1% vs 14.9 ± 14.9%, P < 0.05; respectively). The 28‐days survival rates was 62.3% and 72.2% in PE and DPMAS+PE groups ( P = 0.146). Furthermore, the 28‐days survival rates were significantly higher in DPMAS+PE group than that in PE group (57.4% vs 41.7%, P = 0.043) in the intermediate‐advanced stage patients. Conclusion Compared with PE alone, DPMAS+PE might more effectively improve temporary TBIL in ACLF patients, and improve the 28‐days survival rates in HBV‐ACLF patients with intermediate‐advanced stage. Therefore, DPMAS+PE may be an available ALSS treatment for HBV‐ACLF patients.