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[Endotoxin eliminating therapy in patients with severe sepsis--direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B immobilized

M Kodama1, T Tani, K Maekawa

  • 1First Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.

Abstract

Insights

Direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B fiber (PMX-F) effectively reduced endotoxin levels in severe sepsis patients. This blood purification therapy improved circulatory parameters and alleviated septic shock symptoms, leading to better survival rates.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Severe sepsis and septic multiple organ failure (MOF) present significant clinical challenges.
  • Endotoxemia is a key factor contributing to the pathophysiology of sepsis and MOF.
  • Current treatments for severe sepsis often require intensive support and may have limited efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of direct hemoperfusion (DHP) with polymyxin B fiber (PMX-F) in treating severe human sepsis.
  • To assess the impact of PMX-F treatment on endotoxin levels, circulatory parameters, and survival rates in septic patients.

Main Methods:

  • Direct hemoperfusion (DHP) using a polymyxin B fiber (PMX-F) blood purifier was performed for 2 hours.
  • Evaluated changes in circulatory parameters, septic shock symptoms, blood endotoxin concentration, and survival rates.
  • Analyzed data from 42 patients with severe sepsis, including those with septic MOF and gram-negative bacterial infections.

Main Results:

  • PMX-F treatment significantly reduced blood endotoxin concentrations from 85.0 pg/ml to 57.5 pg/ml post-treatment and 28.2 pg/ml the next day (p < 0.01).
  • Significant improvements were observed in circulatory parameters (BP, CI, SVR, Vo2I) and body temperature.
  • Twenty-two out of 42 patients survived, indicating a potential benefit of PMX-F in severe sepsis management.

Conclusions:

  • Direct hemoperfusion with PMX-F is an effective method for removing endotoxin from the blood in patients with severe sepsis or septic MOF.
  • The treatment alleviates various endotoxin-induced symptoms and improves hemodynamic stability.
  • PMX-F hemoperfusion shows promise as an adjunctive therapy for severe sepsis, warranting further investigation.

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