Abstract: Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of albumin dialysis combined with bilirubin adsorption in the treatment of acute liver failure after cardiac surgery. Methods Seven patients with acute liver failure after cardiac surgery treated in Fuwai Hospital between Aug. 2014 to Dec. 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Results of liver enzymes, bilirubin and blood coagulation tests were recorded before and after treatment. Results Liver function recovered in all the 7 patients, of whom 6 discharged from hospital and one died of nosocomial infection. After the treatment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) decreased from (632±197) U/L to (516±149) U/L (t=4.692, P=0.017), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) decreased from (384±125)U/L to (277±112) U/L (t=3.012, P=0.033), total bilirubin from (759±144) μmol/L to (441±97) μmol/L (t=8.240, P＜0.001), and direct bilirubin from (544±115) μmol/L to 299±67 μmol/L (t=6.119, P=0.001). Circulation status of the patients was stable during the treatment, and no serious complications happened. Conclusion Albumin dialysis combined with bilirubin adsorption is a safe and effective method for acute liver failure after cardiac surgery.

Key words: Albumin dialysis, bilirubin adsorption, cardiac surgery, liver failure