Albumin has been widely used in patients with cirrhosis in an attempt to improve circulatory and renal functions. The benefits of albumin infusions in preventing the deterioration in renal function associated with large-volume paracentesis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and established hepatorenal syndrome in conjunction with a vasoconstrictor are well established. While some of these indications are supported by the results of randomized studies, others are based only on clinical experience and have not been proved in prospective studies. The paucity of well-designed trials, the high cost of albumin, the lack of a clear-cut survival benefit, and fear of transmitting unknown infections make the use of albumin controversial. The recent development of the molecular adsorbent recirculating system, an albumin dialysis, is an example of the capacity of albumin to act by mechanisms other than its oncotic effect. Efforts should be made to define the indications for albumin use, the dose required, and predictors of response, so that patients gain the maximum benefit from its administration.
Albumins/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Ascites/therapy ; End Stage Liver Disease/physiopathology/*therapy ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Hepatorenal Syndrome/therapy ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis/therapy ; Plasma Substitutes/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Sorption Detoxification/adverse effects/*methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy of lamivudine (LAM) and adefovir dipivoxyl (ADV) for patients with hepatitis B-induced decompensated cirrhosis. METHODS: A total of 81 patients were randomly divided into a combination group and an ADV group over 48 week treatment course. The combination group were treated with LAM (100 mg/d) plus ADV (10 mg/d), and the ADV group with ADV (10 mg/d ) for 48 weeks. All patients received hepatic function support and symptomatic treatment. The levels of HBV DNA, liver function, Child-Pugh scores and HBV DNA indicators were observed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: At week 4, the mean reduction of HBV DNA was 1.83 lgIU/mL, 17.9% of the patients achieved undetectable HBV DNA and 28.2% showed normal ALT in the combination group. The counterpart in the ADV group was 0.96 lgIU/mL, 5.3% and 10.5%. At week 4, 12, 24 and 48, the differences in the mean reduction of HBV DNA, undetectable HBV DNA and ALT normalization were statistically significant between the 2 groups. The difference in HBeAg negative conversion rates and HBeAg seroconversion at week 24 and 48 was not significant. CONCLUSION The combination therapy results in HBV suppression and improved liver function and Child-Pugh score. The combination treatment has an advantage over ADV due to low drug resistance rate and good tolerance.
Adenine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; End Stage Liver Disease ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; Humans ; Lamivudine ; administration & dosage ; Liver Cirrhosis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organophosphonates ; administration & dosage