[Acute hepatic insufficiency and the artificial liver].

The authors reviews some aspects related to hepatic encephalopathia and liver tissue regeneration, as well as criteria for prognosis of evolution and lethality of hepatic failure of the acute type. Methods of hepatic assistance include peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, exsanguinotransfusion, plasmapheresis, perfusion of isolated liver, crossed circulation, total washing of the organism, liver transplantation and artificial liver. The principles, the techniques and the materials used for the construction of an artificial liver are presented. Such materials include active charcoal, resins, enzymes, artificial cells of materials fixed upon active or passive supports presenting as plates, sheets, capillaries and dialysis membranes. The creation is suggested, of centers for hepatic depuration where prophylactic hepatic assistance could be provided, as well as the production of an artificial liver of the portable type for the treatment of chronic hepatic failure.