OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects of combined non-biological artificial liver in the treatment of late stage chronic severe hepatitis and especially to observe their effects on hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome and disturbance of electrolytes.

METHODS103 chronic severe hepatitis patients were treated with the same medical measures, including plasma exchange. Among them, 63 patients were also treated with combinations of non-biological artificial liver (treatment group), and the other 40 patients served as controls (control group). The efficacy of the treatments and survival rates of the two groups were compared.

RESULTSIn the treatment group, the rate of regaining normal consciousness was 72.7%, the rate of electrolyte disorder being rectified was 89.5%, the rate of restoring renal function was 66.7% and the total survival rate was 47.6%. In comparison, in the control group the rate of regaining normal consciousness was 16.7%, the rate of electrolyte disorder being rectified was 42.3%, none of their renal functions were restored and the total survival rate was 22.5%. The differences between the two groups were significant (chi2=6.56, P less than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONWith other medical treatment, combined non-biological artificial liver can improve the survival rate of severe hepatitis patients.