The cytokine adsorber Cytosorb® does not reduce ammonia concentrations in critically ill patients with liver failure

Abstract

Hemadsorption techniques are used in critical care for numerous indications, although the evidence is often limited. One example is the elimination of ammonia with the cytokine adsorber Cytosorb® (adsorption based on hydrophobic interactions of substances with a molecular weight of 5–55 kDa). Most recently, in vitro and in vivo data postulated that Cytosorb® (combined with continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT)) could eliminate ammonia [1, 2].