Total blood washout and exchange. A valuable tool in acute hepatic coma and Reye's syndrome.

Total body washout (TBW) was accomplished thirteen times in twelve patients, with response in five and survival in three. TBW can be done without apparent harm to patients and is less laborious and more rapidly effective than repeated exchange transfusion. Early application of TBW in stage III to stage IV hepatic coma may increase survival and possibly prevent progression of metabolic derangements. Patients with stage III to IV Reye's syndrome probably should have TBW promptly, without time-consuming attempts at exchange transfusion. Based on our experience, further application of TBW is warranted in coma due to acute hepatic failure and stage III to IV Reye's syndrome.