Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the effect of ulinastatin in hepatoprotection following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
(ECMO). MethodsForty patients with ECMO were randomized into two groups to receive ulinastatin treatment or not.
Venous blood samples were collected to test ALT and AST levels following ECMO treatment for12, 24and48h.ResultsThe
two groups showed no significant difference in liver function indices before ECMO treatment. In both groups, the liver
function worsened significantly after a12-h ECMO treatment, but improved gradually after24h. The liver function damages
were obviously lessened in ulinastatin group compared to those in patients without ulinastatin treatment (P<0.05). ECMO
treatment significantly improved the liver function of the patients. ConclusionECMO can significantly improve the liver
function. The liver function damage reaches the peak level after a12-h ECMO treatment, and ulinastatin can protect the liver
function in patients undergoing ECMO.