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Therapeutic rationale for antithrombin III in sepsis
1Brown University School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence 02860, USA. Steven_Opal@brown.edu
Critical Care Medicine
|September 28, 2000
Summary
Antithrombin, an endogenous anticoagulant, shows therapeutic promise for sepsis by inhibiting vascular injury. Early administration of adequate antithrombin doses may benefit patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Sepsis involves microvascular dysfunction and organ injury.
- Antithrombin (AT) is an endogenous anticoagulant with anti-inflammatory properties.
- AT depletion occurs early in sepsis due to complex formation and altered synthesis/clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical evidence supporting antithrombin as a novel sepsis treatment.
- To establish the therapeutic rationale for antithrombin in human sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MEDLINE and other relevant publications.
- Synthesis of preclinical data on antithrombin's role in sepsis models.
Main Results:
- Antithrombin inhibits thrombin-mediated vascular injury in sepsis.
- Preclinical studies demonstrate antithrombin's therapeutic efficacy in experimental sepsis.
- Optimal timing and dosing are crucial for antithrombin's anti-sepsis effects.
Conclusions:
- Antithrombin is a potent inhibitor of microcirculatory injury in severe sepsis.
- Early, adequate administration of antithrombin may benefit specific sepsis patient populations.
- Further research into optimal therapeutic strategies for antithrombin in sepsis is warranted.