Double Plasma Separation and Adsorption in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (DPMAS-ACLF Trial)

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by acute deterioration of liver function in patients with chronic liver disease, leading to systemic inflammation, organ failure, and high short-term mortality. Current treatment is largely supportive, and liver transplantation is often the only curative option, but many patients are not eligible or die while awaiting transplant.

Recent evidence suggests that systemic inflammation, bile acid accumulation, and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) play key roles in the progression of ACLF. Extracorporeal liver support systems such as plasma exchange have shown benefit in selected patients by reducing inflammation and improving short-term survival.

The Double Plasma Molecular Adsorption System (DPMAS) is a novel extracorporeal therapy that combines plasma separation with sequential adsorption columns. These columns are designed to remove bile acids, bilirubin, cytokines, and other toxins from the circulation. Early studies suggest that DPMAS may improve organ function and reduce mortality in ACLF.

This prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial will compare standard medical therapy (SMT) alone versus SMT plus DPMAS in adult patients with ACLF (AARC grade II or higher). The primary outcome is an improvement in AARC grade by 1 at day 14 (7 days off treatment). Secondary outcomes include transplant-free survival at 28 days, changes in systemic inflammation, renal and hemodynamic function, bilirubin and bile acid levels, development of infections or new organ failures, and safety of the therapy.

A total of 56 participants will be enrolled and randomized equally into the two study groups. Patients in the intervention arm will undergo a minimum of two DPMAS sessions within the first seven days, with additional sessions as clinically indicated. Participants will be followed for up to 90 days for survival and clinical outcomes.

The study is investigator-initiated and conducted at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, India. Ethical approval has been obtained from the ILBS Institutional Ethics Committee.

Inclusion criteria

• ACLF patients of any etiology with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and AARC grade II or more.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients eligible for corticosteroids for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis related ACLF (other than hydrocortisone according to Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines 2021 which is 50 mg iv q 6 h for management of refractory shock
• Hepatocellular carcinoma or any extrahepatic malignancy,
• Active fungal sepsis
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• Hemodynamic instability requiring norepinephrine >0.20ug/kg/min
• Patients with coma of non-hepatic origin
• Patients with PaO2/FiO2 ratio <150
• Pregnancy
• Comorbidities associated with poor outcomes (severe cardiopulmonary disease defined by a New York Heart Association score >3, or oxygen/steroid-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease) and patients with post-resection liver failure
• Patients with fibrinogen <110 and/or platelets less than 50,000
• Patients with oliguria with urine output less than 400 ml/day
• Lack of informed consent
• Patient enrolled in other clinical trials