Investigation on the method and safety of the non-heparinized plasma exchange therapy in treating patients with hepatic failure

Objective To explore the method and safety of the non-heparinized plasma exchange in treating patients with hepatic failure.Methods Plasma exchange therapy was used to treat 62 patients with hepatic failure and these patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: 30 patients as the treatment group and 32 patients as the control group.Patients in the treatment group were treated with non-heparinized plasma exchange therapy by using physiological saline to wash the plasma separator continuously during the recovery period, giving 81 times plasma exchange treatment in total.Patients in the control group were treated with heparinized plasma exchange therapy, they were given 82 times plasma exchange treatment in total.Results There were no adverse effects related to haemorrhage and blood coagulation in the treatment group, whereas other types of adverse effects occurred in 23 patients of the same group.On the other hand there were 12 adverse effects related to haemorrhage and blood coagulation in the control group plus other adverse effects occurred in 26 patients of this group.The incidence rate of adverse effects related to haemorrhage and blood coagulation between the two groups has significant difference (P<0.01) , while the incidence rate of other adverse effects has no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) .Conclusion Using the non-heparinized plasma exchange to treat patients with hepatic failure is safe and the incidence rate of adverse effects related to haemorrhage and blood coagulation is lower whereas the incidence rate of other adverse effects is similar to the traditional plasma exchange therapy.This therapy is characterized by simplicity in operation and high safety level.