Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
SHR
Neuro
Cancer
Cardio
Metab
Microb
Lipid
Albumin an acute-on-chronic liver failure: more than just volume? A randomized, controlled study
- Abstract
- Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) often results in multiple organ dysfunction and mortality rates are in the order of 50-90%.
Albumin is the major plasma protein and is produced in the liver. Albumin undertakes a variety of functions including: fatty acid transport; metal chelation; drug-binding; and anti-oxidant activity. In liver disease its concentration is diminished but the mechanism of this reduction is uncertain. Currently, albumin infusion in patients with cirrhosis is used primarily as a volume expander. However, recent studies showing reduction in severity of hepatic encephalopathy and improved survival of cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome treated with albumin infusion is compelling.
One of the substances that bind to albumin is endotoxin. Endotoxin is a lipopolysaccharid derived from the wall of gram-negative bacteria that causes immediate and strong immune response.
We hypothesize that infusion of albumin can improve endotoxin binding capacity and thereby prevent inappropriate neutrophil activation and neutrophil dysfunction in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitits. Therefore we aim to investigate neutrophil function (oxidative burst and phagocytosis) and endotoxin binding capacity as well as albumin function in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis before, during and after high-dose albumin infusions as compared to standard therapy. We will also record the occurence of organ failure as a clinical endpoint.
- Project Leader:
- Stadlbauer-Köllner Vanessa
- Duration:
- 01.10.2008-30.09.2011
- Programme:
- Jubiläumsfonds (ÖNB)
- Type of Research
- applied research
- MUG Research Units
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology