Adjunctive sepsis therapy with aminophylline (STAP): a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by infection.
• Aminophylline possesses known anti-asthma and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The therapeutic potential of aminophylline in sepsis management remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the safety and efficacy of aminophylline as an adjunct therapy in sepsis patients.
• To evaluate the impact of aminophylline on 28-day all-cause mortality in sepsis.
• To assess secondary outcomes including organ function and hospitalization duration.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 100 sepsis patients admitted to the ICU.
• Patients received either standard therapy or standard therapy plus aminophylline.
• The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 28 days post-ICU admission.

Main Results:

• Aminophylline use was associated with a significant reduction in 28-day mortality (14.0% vs. 32.0%, P=0.032).
• Cox regression analysis indicated a lower hazard of death in the aminophylline group (HR=0.312).
• Survival time was significantly prolonged in patients receiving aminophylline (P=0.039), with no significant increase in adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Adjunctive aminophylline therapy demonstrates a significant survival benefit for patients with sepsis.
• Aminophylline may be a valuable addition to standard sepsis treatment protocols.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action in sepsis.