Three Cases of Alcohol-Induced Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure With Successful Support by Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

OBJECTIVES: Acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (AOCLF) are critical medical conditions with urgent therapy requirements. When ALF or AOCLF are due to alcohol intoxication or based on chronic alcohol abuse, virtually, no therapeutic options are available as liver transplantation is prohibited. In this case series, treatment of alcohol-induced ALF/AOCLF with adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) was tested under compassionate use. METHODS: ASC from 2 donors were isolated, cultured, and expanded by established protocols. ASC were administered to 3 individuals with either ALF or AOCLF due to alcohol abuse under compassionate use. Clinical presentation, serum measurements, and other diagnostic methods were compiled before ASC treatment and during the disease course after ASC administration. RESULTS: Three patients were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases (University Hospital Magdeburg) with acute or AOCLF due to alcohol abuse. All 3 patients presented in impaired general condition and with elevated, in 1 case drastically elevated, serum liver enzyme concentrations. Treatment with ASC led to improvements in general condition and reduction of serum transaminases. In 2 cases, reduction of liver stiffness and increase of liver function by the C-13 methaceti n breath test were observed after ASC treatment. Recovery to a normal condition was achieved between 1 and 2 months after ASC treatment. No adverse effects associated to ASC treatment were observed. DISCUSSION: ASC treatment may be a feasible option to enhance recovery from alcohol-induced ALF or AOCLF. ASC treatment seems safe in the presented cases.