Effectiveness of Endotoxin Scattering Photometry for Determining the Efficacy of Polymyxin B-immobilized Fiber Treatment in Septic Shock: Report of a Case

Abstract

The limulus test, which has been established as a test for endotoxin measurement, is associated with problems, including that posed by the presence of a response inhibitor factor and the longer time needed for the measurement of low concentrations. On the other hand, the technique of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B immobilized fiber column (DHP-PMX) was developed in Japan in 1994 and has been used for the control of endotoxemia in septic shock. The limulus test, which is a common endotoxin measurement test, has several problems with regard to sensitivity. Therefore, this test is no longer used to determine the effectiveness of DHP-PMX. Here, we describe a patient presenting with colonic perforation who recovered from septic shock with DHP-PMX. This treatment effect was reflected by a decrease in plasma endotoxin levels as demonstrated more readily with endotoxin scattering photometry assay than with the standard limulus test. We conclude that endotoxin measurement with endotoxin scattering photometry is superior to nephelometry in patients with endotoxemia.