Cytokine removal by plasma exchange with continuous hemodiafiltration in critically ill patients

The effectiveness of plasma exchange (PE) with continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) in the treatment of critically ill patients was evaluated based on changes in cytokine levels. Twenty-six patients with acute hepatic failure were treated with PE (PE group) or PE and CHDF (PE+CHDF group), and the levels of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 were determined before and after treatment. Bilirubin levels were significantly lower after treatment in both the PE and PE+CHDF groups. There were no significant differences in TNF-alpha levels before and after treatment in the PE group, but the TNF-alpha level was significantly lower after treatment in the PE+CHDF group. There were no significant differences in the IL-6 levels before and after treatment in both the PE and PE+CHDF groups. There were no significant differences in IL-8 levels before and after treatment in the PE group, but the IL-8 level was significantly lower after treatment in the PE+CHDF group. PE with CHDF therapy was given to 5 patients with acutely aggravated autoimmune diseases, 2 patients with hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome, and 3 patients with thrombotic microangiopathy. The results suggested that PE with CHDF therapy are useful in critically ill patients with suspected hypercytokinemia.