First successful combination of ECMO with cytokine removal therapy in cardiogenic septic shock: a case report

A new hemoadsorption device intended as adjunctive treatment for patients with elevated cytokine levels in the setting of SIRS and sepsis has shown promising results. We report on the beneficial application of the device in a patient with cardiogenic septic shock receiving combined extracorporeal life support with rECMO, LVAD, and CVVH despite his highly septic condition.

A 39-year-old patient presented with fulminant ARDS and cardiogenic septic shock. A veno-arterial ECMO was implanted for circulatory support. During the course of illness, the patient developed acute renal failure in addition to his chronic renal insufficiency, making initiation of CVVH necessary. Due to a complete cardiac arrest in both ventricles, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in combination with right ECMO (rECMO) was implanted despite manifest septic conditions. In the post-operative course IL-6 levels and vasopressor dosages increased drastically. A CytoSorb hemoadsorption device was therefore installed in the CVVH circuit and 3 sessions were run during the following 4 days.

During CytoSorb treatment, inflammatory markers IL-6, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein decreased concomitant with significantly reduced vasopressor support. No adverse device-related side effects were documented during or after the treatment sessions.

This is the first clinical case report of a highly septic patient treated with the combined use of LVAD, rECMO, CVVH, and CytoSorb. The combination was practical, technically feasible, and beneficial for the patient. This combination represents a reasonable approach to improve survival in patients with multiple organ dysfunction necessitating several organ supportive techniques.