Short-term Survival of Subjects With Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure After Plasma Exchange With Human Serum Albumin 5%

Approximately 380 subjects with cirrhosis, ACLF, and high risk of hospital mortality (ACLF-1b, ACLF-2, or ACLF-3a) will be included in this study after obtaining written informed consent. In case of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), written informed consent will be obtained from a relative or a legally authorized representative if the subject is considered incompetent to consent. Randomization of subjects will be stratified by region (European Union \[EU\] or North America \[NA\]) and the 3 ACLF grades (ACLF-1b, ACLF-2, or ACLF-3a). Within each stratum (ie, each unique combination of region and ACLF grade), subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into 2 treatment groups below: * SMT+PE-A 5% (treatment group) * SMT (control group) SMT + PE-A 5% Treatment Group: PE-A 5% will be performed using 5% albumin (Albutein® 5%) as the main replacement fluid administered intravenously. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) will be given after each PE-A 5% session to prevent coagulopathy. SMT in addition to PE-A 5% will be administered according to institution standard practice. The exact number of sessions will be determined by the pattern of response (achieving complete response or no improvement/deterioration of ACLF) to PE-A 5% therapy. IVIGs will be administered to prevent the development of hypogammaglobulinemia and infection. SMT Control Group: SMT will be administered according to institution standards practices. Subjects in both the SMT+ PE-A 5% treatment group and the SMT control group will be followed for 90 days after randomization. During the entire study, the safety of both groups will be monitored by a Data Safety Monitoring Board.