Granulocyte and Monocyte Adsorption Therapy in Patients With Sepsis: A Feasibility Study

The pathogenesis of sepsis is thought to be linked to a dysregulated immune response, particularly that involving neutrophils. We have developed a granulocyte adsorption column as a "decoy organ," which relocates the massive inflammation in organs in the body to a blood purification column. This study was conducted to assess the safety and experimental effectiveness of granulocyte monocyte adsorption apheresis-direct hemoperfusion (G1-DHP) in the treatment of patients with sepsis, using a prospective, multicenter design.

The study included patients diagnosed with sepsis and with an APACHE II score ranging from 17 to 34. A total of five G1-DHP were performed within 3 days of patient enrollment. The primary endpoint was the change in sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score from enrollment to 7 days, and the safety endpoints were adverse events and mortality at 28 days.

G1-DHP was performed on 82 patients. The median (interquartile range) SOFA score decreased from 10 (8-11) to 4 (3-7) after 7 days (n = 70; p < 0.01). Granulocytes, mainly neutrophils, were adsorbed, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio significantly improved (p < 0.01). Notable improvements were observed in the SOFA scores for circulation and renal function. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score of the 77 patients evaluated for mortality was 27, and the 28-day mortality rate was 7.8%.

This study confirmed that G1-DHP can be safely used as an adjunct to standard sepsis treatment regimens. Although further investigations are required, G1-DHP is a promising supplemental therapy for sepsis.

jRCT1080225183 (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials identifier).