Hepatospheres

Hepatospheres are a type of artificial liver support device used in the treatment of acute liver failure. They are designed to provide temporary liver support until the patient's own liver can recover or a transplant can be performed. Hepatospheres consist of a porous, biocompatible material that is coated with hepatocytes, which are liver cells. These hepatocytes are responsible for detoxifying harmful substances, producing essential proteins, and regulating metabolism.

The primary advantage of hepatospheres is their ability to provide rapid and effective liver support. They can be implanted directly into the peritoneal cavity, where they are protected from the immune system and can begin functioning immediately. Hepatospheres have been used in clinical settings to treat patients with acute liver failure due to various causes, including viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, and liver transplantation complications.

However, hepatospheres also have limitations. They are not a permanent solution and must be removed after a certain period, typically 2-4 weeks. Additionally, the long-term effects of hepatosphere use are not fully understood, and there is a risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and organ failure. Despite these limitations, hepatospheres have been shown to improve survival rates in patients with acute liver failure who are not eligible for liver transplantation.

In summary, hepatospheres are a valuable tool in the management of acute liver failure, providing temporary liver support until more permanent solutions can be implemented. Their use has been associated with improved survival rates in eligible patients, although further research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects and potential complications.