Health Technology Assessment Reports, 1983. Number 7. Plasma Perfusion of Charcoal Filters for Treatment of Pruritis of Cholestatic Liver Disease

摘要

This assessment will focus on plasma perfusion of charcoal filters for treatment of pruritis of cholestatic liver disease. Plasma perfusion of charcoal filters for treatment of pruritis of cholestatic liver disease appears to be a treatment infrequently performed and only when the patient is unresponsive to more conventional therapy. The evidence presented in the literature is based on serial experience involving small numbers where the patients acted as their own controls and appears to demonstrate the relief of symptoms. However, one cannot rule out a placebo effect. Medical professional organizations support the use of this technology as a treatment for pruritis of cholestatic liver disease unresponsive to conventional therapy. However, there appears to be no agreement regarding the number of perfusions over a given period of time.