Early high-volume hemofiltration treatment in severe sepsis

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of early application of high-volume hemofiltration treatment (HVHF) on the levels of lactic acid, pro-inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma, as well as APACHE II score in patients suffering from severe sepsis. Thirty patients meeting the diagnosis of severe sepsis were enrolled in the trial within 24 hours of insults. The level of lactic acid, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CRP in plasma were measured before HVHF and at 24, 48 or 72 h following HVHF treatment. The plasma levels of lactic acid and IL-6 decreased significantly at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after HVHF (P <0.05), while, IL-10 did not differ significantly following HVHF (P>0.05), when compared with that before HVHF. The early application of HVHF could clear the plasma lactic acid and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improve the tissue oxygenation in severe sepsis.