Translational Medicine
Open Access

Abstract

The Strategy of Combining Antiviral Agent, Plasma Exchange and Transarterial Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transfusion in a Patient with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Yu-Hua Li, Hua-Mei Wu, Zhi-Yuan Xu, Jing Yang, Ying Xu, Li-Hong Yang and Wan Yue-Meng

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a newly recognized clinical entity with diverse etiology and an extremely high mortality rate. It may be rapidly fatal due to multi-organ failure. Liver transplantation (LT) is the best strategy for rescuing patients with ACLF. However, LT is not always possible due to donor shortage and/or high operation cost. The search for a strategy to provide temporary liver support and bridge the patients with ACLF to LT remains an important issue. Here, we report a case of hepatitis B virus (HBV) related ACLF patient who was successfully treated by repeated plasma exchange (PE) and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell transfusion (UCMSC) in combination with antiviral therapy with entecavir (ETV).