[Serum concentrations of alpha 1-fetoprotein in acute hepatic failure treated by hemoperfusion with baboon livers (author's transl)]

Abstract

9 patients with acute hepatic necrosis following virus hepatitis or hepatic intoxication and 2 patients with acute necrosis of cirrhotic liver, all with stage IV or V hepatic coma, were treated by hemoperfusions with baboon livers. Serum levels of alpha 1-fetoprotein (AFP) were examined prae-, intra- and post perfusion by radioimmunoassay. In 4 patients who survived, the AFP-levels increased from 20 to 65 ng/ml to 180 to 480 ng/ml and remained raised for more than one week. In the patients who died of liver insufficiency, the AFP-levels were only slightly or temporarily increased. The alpha 1-fetoprotein determination is a reliable criterium for the prognosis of hepatic coma patients treated by hemoperfusion.