Hepatic encephalopathy in the course of alcoholic liver disease--treatment options in the intensive care unit.

Hepatic encephalopathy occurs as a complication of alcoholic liver disease may require methods of dialysis available in intensive care units. There is described the case of a 27-year-old patient with jaundice and hepatic encephalopathy with long history of alcohol dependence and substance abuse. The patient was successfully treated using liver dialysis method (Prometheus® system). Basing on this case it is possible to conclude that use of dialysis liver with Prometheus® may be beneficial in patients with severe course of alcoholic liver disease.