[Exogenous activated protein C in severe sepsis]

Exogenous activated protein C combines a marked anti-inflammatory effect on the vascular endothelium and anticoagulative and profibrinolytic activities. The total results of this action are better multiple organ microcirculation and, as a result, elimination and even prevention of irreversible changes in the vitally important organs. The many-sidedness and potency of this effect make the agent essential for intensive therapy of severe sepsis of various etiology. The Russian cooperative study of the efficacy of the exogenous activated protein C--drotrecogine alpha (activated)--has shown that its inclusion into therapy for sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction and septic shock results in longer estimated survival. With this, the best results are observed when therapy is initiated within 48 hours since the development of multiple organ deficiency.