Antiendotoxin therapy in sepsis

Septic shock is the leading cause of death in critical care units. New research in the management of septic shock is focused on the use of immune-based therapy such as antiendotoxin monoclonal antibodies. The object of this therapy is to neutralize endotoxin and prevent the progression of the pathophysiologic events of sepsis. To date, the promise of this therapy has not been realized, but hopefully, ongoing research will provide optimism for treatment of this syndrome. Two agents, E5 and HA-1A, are discussed.