[New therapeutic alternatives for severe sepsis in the critical patient. A review]

Despite efforts to establish uniform protocols for the management of severe sepsis, this condition continues to have high morbidity and mortality. This is due, among other factors, to the many barriers for the development of the protocols and the application time. That is why new therapeutic measures are continuing to be investigated and developed.

To review the literature on the new and future therapeutic alternatives available in the management of sepsis in critically ill patients. DATA SOURCE AND SEARCH METHOD: A search was made for articles consistent with evidence- based medicine guidelines published between 2004 and 2009 in different databases (Cochrane Plus Library, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Clinical Evidence, REMI and PubMed) and the NIH Clinical Trails database (ClinicalTrials.gov) using the TRIP meta-search engine.

A total of 357 documents were retrieved, selecting 48 of which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical practice guidelines, structured abstracts of original articles, and clinical trials. The selection criteria followed the peer review process.

Data were extracted by two independent reviewers.

Based on the 2004-2009 study period, sufficient evidence was not obtained to make further recommendations on the treatment of sepsis. Although the abundant evidence needed to suggest the utility of these therapeutic measures, inhaled nitric oxide, statins, and immunoglobulins are probably good options for the adjuvant treatment of sepsis. However, we must wait for the results of different ongoing clinical trials on new treatment modalities. Stem cells and gene therapy will probably emerge as novel therapies in the future.