Polymyxin B-immobilized Fiber Treatment Research Articles

Polymyxin B-Immobilized Fiber Hemoperfusion in a High School Football Player with Septic Shock Caused by Osteitis Pubis

A 17-year-old male high school football player treated by polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) hemoperfusion for mild-moderate septic shock caused by osteitis pubis is described in this study. He was admitted for inguinal pain, gait disturbance, and high fever (40.6°C). His white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP), endotoxin, and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were significantly elevated. His blood pressure was 76/46 mm Hg. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bone and muscle injury at the pubic symphysis. Septic shock with high blood endotoxin and PCT concentrations was diagnosed, and the patient was treated with antibiotics, γ-globulin, and dopamine on the admission day. However, the septic shock did not improve. On day 3, we performed direct hemoperfusion twice using a PMX-F column. After the second PMX-F treatment, the patient's temperature decreased to 37.0°C, and his WBC count, CRP levels, blood endotoxin, and PCT levels decreased. The inguinal pain diminished, and the patient's blood pressure increased to 112/76 mm Hg. He was discharged on day 10 after admission. This case reflects association of PMX-F with decreased endotoxin, PCT, and CRP, suggesting the association of PMX-F with clinical improvement in mild-moderate sepsis in a young athlete.

Increase in systolic blood pressure and improvement in laboratory parameters following polymyxin B-immobilized fiber treatment in septic shock

Direct hemoperfusion using a polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (DHP-PMX; Toray Industries Inc., Tokyo, Japan) was first developed in 1994 and has since been used for the treatment of septic shock.

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

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.

Effect of Polymyxin B-Immobilized Fiber Hemoperfusion on Serum High Mobility Group Box-1 Protein Levels and Oxidative Stress in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by diffuse inflammation in the lung and resultant permeability edema. Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) hemoperfusion is effective for sepsis-induced ARDS. High mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) is newly recognized as a proinflammatory cytokine. The aim of the study was to determine whether blood HMGB1 levels are increased in patients with ARDS and whether PMX-F treatment affects these levels. Subjects were 20 sepsis-induced patients with ARDS treated by PMX-F column and 20 age-matched healthy volunteers. Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber treatment was carried out twice at a rate of 100 ml/min for 2 hours. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, the PaO2/FiO2 (PF) ratio and endotoxin, HMGB1, and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (OHdG) levels were measured before and after PMX-F treatment. Blood endotoxin levels, blood HMGB1 levels, and urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in patients with ARDS than in healthy volunteers. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and the PF ratio increased significantly after PMX-F treatments. Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber treatment reduced blood endotoxin, blood HMGB1, and urinary 8-OHdG levels significantly. These data suggest that HMGB1 and oxidative stress play a role in the pathogenesis of ARDS and that PMX-F treatment may ameliorate increased blood HMGB1 and urinary 8-OHdG levels in patients with ARDS.

URINARY LIVER-TYPE FATTY ACID-BINDING PROTEIN IN SEPTIC SHOCK

We aimed to determine retrospectively whether urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) levels are altered in patients with septic shock or severe sepsis without shock and whether polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) hemoperfusion affects these levels. Forty patients with septic shock, 20 patients with severe sepsis without shock, 20 acute renal failure (ARF) patients without septic shock (mean serum creatinine, 2.8 mg/dL), and 30 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber hemoperfusion was performed twice in 40 patients. In addition, 10 patients with septic shock without PMX-F treatment (conventional treatment) were also enrolled in this study. Their families did not choose PMX-F treatment. Thus, their informed consents to perform PMX-F treatment were not obtained. Septic shock or severe sepsis was defined by the American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine Consensus Conference Committee. Patients with septic shock were eligible for inclusion in the study if they had a definable source of infection and/or positive blood cultures. Patients with cardiogenic or hemorrhagic shock were excluded from the study. The patients were not randomly allocated to receive PMX-F treatment. Urinary and serum L-FABP levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Plasma endotoxin levels in patients with septic shock were significantly higher than those in patients with severe sepsis (P < 0.05), patients with ARF (P < 0.001), and healthy subjects (P < 0.001). Urinary L-FABP levels in patients with septic shock were significantly higher than those in patients with severe sepsis without shock (P < 0.001), patients with ARF (P < 0.001), and healthy subjects (P < 0.001), whereas serum L-FABP levels showed no significant differences between patients with septic shock, patients with severe sepsis, patients with ARF, and healthy subjects. Urinary L-FABP was not correlated with serum L-FABP. Twenty-eight patients with septic shock survived, and 12 patients died. Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber treatment reduced plasma endotoxin levels (P < 0.01) and urinary L-FABP levels (P < 0.01). In 10 patients with septic shock without PMX-F treatment, L-FABP levels remained high 7 days after initiation of conventional treatment (P = 0.12). These results suggest that urinary L-FABP levels are significantly increased in patients with septic shock and that PMX-F treatment is effective in reducing these levels.

Polymyxin B-Immobilized Fiber Hemoperfusion Attenuates Increased Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients With Septic Shock

Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) hemoperfusion is reported to be safe and effective in septic shock patients. Because atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) may have pathophysiologic significance in the cardiac dysfunction of septic shock patients, we conducted a study to determine whether PMX-F treatment affects plasma ANP and BNP levels in patients with septic shock. Fifty septic shock patients (34 men and 16 women; mean age 60.0 years) and 30 healthy volunteers (18 men and 12 women; mean age 56.0 years) were included in this study. Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber treatment was performed twice, separated by an interval of 24 hours. Blood endotoxin, interleukin (IL)-6, ANP, and BNP levels were measured before, immediately after the second PMX-F treatment, and the following day. In comparing patients with septic shock with healthy control subjects, we found significant increases in plasma endotoxin (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.001), ANP (p < 0.001), and BNP (p < 0.001). After the second PMX-F treatment, plasma levels of endotoxin (p < 0.01), IL-6 (p < 0.01), ANP (p < 0.01), and BNP (p < 0.01) were reduced significantly. Values decreased further the following day. Both plasma ANP and BNP levels are increased in septic shock patients and PMX-F treatment is effective in reducing these natriuretic peptide levels.

Clinical efficacy of long-term performance with polymyxin-B immobilized fiber treatment for septic shock

Septic shock remains the main cause of late death of patients admitted to the ICU. Despite recent advances in medical support and treatment, this mortality has not changed significantly. The treatment of direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin-B immobilized fiber (PMX-DHP) has shown that an increase of blood pressure was observed in patients with septic shock caused by Gram-negative infection. The performance time of PMX-DHP is usually 2 hours in Japan. In this study, we investigated the clinical efficacy of the long-term performance of PMX-DHP.

Severity Scoring Systems for Prognosis and Efficacy of Polymyxin B-Immobilized Fiber Treatment for Colonic Perforation

There is no established system for predicting prognosis and evaluating the efficacy of antiseptic treatments such as polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX) according to the severity of peritonitis in patients with colonic perforation. We investigated the predictive value of various severity scoring systems for survival and for the efficacy of antiseptic treatments, to identify high-risk patients. We reviewed 26 consecutive patients who underwent emergency operations between 1996 and 2003 for colorectal perforation not caused by trauma or iatrogenic disease. Several severity scores, i.e., Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI), and Multiple Organ Failure (MOF) were calculated and analyzed as predictive scoring systems for prognosis, survival and efficacy of PMX treatment. An APACHE II score of 19, a SOFA score of 8, an MPI score of 30, and an MOF score of 7 or more were significantly related to a poor prognosis. With or without PMX treatment, an APACHE II score of 15 or less, a SOFA score of 7 or less, an MPI score of 27 or less, and an MOF score of 7 or less were all related to a good prognosis. Conversely, all patients died when the severity scoring points were higher than 20 in APACHE II, higher than 12 in SOFA, and higher than 39 in MPI. When PMX treatment was given to patients with an intermediate score, no correlation between survival and its efficacy was found, except in the MOF scoring system. These severity scoring systems can assist with the prediction of prognosis. They may also be useful for determining if PMX treatment would be unnecessary or ineffective in certain patients. However, the optimal application of PMX treatment in selected patients according to the severity scoring systems needs further investigation.

Polymyxin B-immobilized fibre haemoperfusion reduces urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels in patients with septic shock

Abstract Objective. To determine whether urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels are altered in patients with septic shock and whether polymyxin B-immobilized fibre (PMX-F) haemoperfusion reduces the 8-OHdG level in these patients. Design and subjects. Twenty patients with septic shock and 20 age-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. The septic shock patients were divided into two treatment groups: a PMX-F treatment group (n =12) and a non-PMX-F treatment group (n =8). Standard supportive care was continued without change during PMX-F haemoperfusion. Clinical markers, including plasma endotoxin, were measured before and after the first and the second PMX-F treatment and the following day. Urinary 8-OHdG levels were also examined before and after the first and the second PMX-F treatment (24 h pooled urine) and the following day. Results. Urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in septic shock patients (median 38.0 ng/mg creatinine; range 16.0–52.0 ng/mg creatinine) than...

Changes in Plasma Interleukin-18 by Direct Hemoperfusion with Polymyxin B-Immobilized Fiber in Patients with Septic Shock

Background/Aims: Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) treatment is reported to be safe and effective in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. The aim of the present study was to determine whether plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-18, which is linked with sepsis, are associated with plasma endotoxin levels and sepsis-related scores and whether PMX-F treatment affects these variables in patients with septic shock. Patients and Methods: Twenty-six patients with septic shock (15 men and 11 women; mean age 56.5 years) and 20 age-matched healthy subjects (12 men and 8 women; mean age 54.0 years) were included in this study. Septic shock patients were divided into 2 groups: a PMX-F treatment group (9 men and 5 women; mean age 57.5 years) and a conventional treatment group (7 men and 5 women; mean age 55.3 years). Standard supportive care was continued without change during PMX-F treatment. Plasma endotoxin, plasma IL-18, and clinical variables were measured before, immediately after the first and second PMX-F treatment, and the following day. Results: The plasma IL-18 levels were significantly higher in septic shock patients (1,320 ± 360 pg/ml) than in healthy volunteers (140 ± 60 pg/ml; p < 0.001). The IL-18 level was significantly correlated with the plasma endotoxin level (p < 0.001), the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (p < 0.01), the Sepsis Severity Score (p < 0.01), the number of failed organs (p < 0.01), and the Goris score (p < 0.01). PMX-F treatment reduced the plasma endotoxin and IL-18 levels significantly after the first treatment (p < 0.05), after the second treatment (p < 0.01), and on the following day (p < 0.001). However, these variables did not change significantly during conventional treatment. Conclusions: IL-18 may be associated with the severity of septic shock, and PMX-F treatment is effective in reducing the IL-18 level in patients with septic shock.

Polymyxin B???Immobilized Fiber Hemoperfusion with Low Priming Volume in an Elderly Septic Shock Patient with Marked Endotoxemia

An 84-year-old woman with septic shock caused by pyelonephritis is described herein. She was admitted for severe back pain and high fever. Her white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) and endotoxin levels were elevated at 38,000/microl, 40.0 mg/dl, and 8,400 pg/ml, respectively. Her blood pressure was 80/34 mm Hg. Urinalysis revealed occult blood with innumerable WBCs. Plain abdominal radiography showed calcium stones in both kidneys. Septic shock with endotoxemia was diagnosed, and the patient was treated with antibiotics, gamma-globulin, and dopamine. However, her plasma endotoxin level remained high for 3 days. We performed direct hemoperfusion twice using a polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) column with a low priming volume. After PMX-F treatment, the patient's temperature decreased to 36.8 degrees C; her WBC count and CRP level decreased to 9,200/microl and 3.8 mg/dl, respectively. Her plasma endotoxin level decreased to 840 pg/ml after the first treatment and to 188 pg/ml after the second treatment. The next day, her blood endotoxin level further decreased to 32 pg/ml. Her blood pressure increased to 92/60 mm Hg after the first treatment and to 118/76 mm Hg after the second treatment. The patient was discharged on day 26 after admission. Our experience in this case suggests that PMX-F treatment with a low priming volume may be beneficial in elderly patients with septic shock and marked endotoxemia.

Polymyxin B???Immobilized Fiber Hemoperfusion in a Patient with Active Ulcerative Colitis

A case involving a 31-year-old woman with active ulcerative colitis is described. She suffered symptoms of infraumbilical abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and low-grade fever that did not improve with conventional treatment, including antidiarrheal drugs and antibiotics. Ulcerative colitis was diagnosed according to endoscopic and histologic findings. She was treated with prednisolone and sulfasalazine, and her symptoms disappeared after 1 month. Sulfasalazine therapy was continued for 3 months, and the patient's condition remained stable for 4 years. Recently, she was admitted with abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and melena. She was again treated with prednisolone and intravenous hyperalimentation, but her symptoms did not improve. Colonoscopy showed multiple ulcers with bleeding and polyposis and severe edema in the colon. In addition, she had a high blood endotoxin concentration (38.0 pg/ml; normal < 9.8 pg/ml). She underwent polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) hemoperfusion therapy twice. After 2 weeks, her symptoms resolved completely, colonoscopy showed disappearance of the edema, revascularization of the mucosa, and improvement of the ulcers, and blood endotoxin concentration decreased to 5.0 pg/ml. These results suggest that PMX-F treatment may be beneficial for the management of ulcerative colitis with endotoxemia.

The place of early haemoperfusion with polymyxin B fibre column in the treatment of sepsis

Direct haemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fibre (PMX-F) is a promising treatment for Gram-negative sepsis in critically ill patients. Indeed, it has been used routinely in Japan for a decade. Recent evidence presented in this journal suggests that PMX-F can have a positive impact on outcome in patients with sepsis, although other reports in the literature have presented confusing or even conflicting results. This commentary considers whether the available evidence allows us to establish an appropriate role for PMX-F treatment in sepsis and what further work is needed.

Effect of Polymyxin B-Immobilized Fiber on Blood Metalloproteinase-9 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 Levels in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients

Background/Aims: Metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 plays a role in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) treatment improves circulatory disturbance and oxygenation in ARDS patients. We aimed to assess whether PMX-F treatment alters the blood MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 levels in ARDS patients. Methods: Twelve ARDS patients who received PMX-F treatment and 20 healthy control volunteers were included in this study. PMX-F was carried out twice at a rate of 100 ml/min for 2 h with a time interval of 24 h. Blood MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were measured before and after PMX-F treatment. We monitored blood pressure and the PaO₂/FiO₂ (PF) ratio before and after PMX-F treatment. Results: The mortality of ARDS patients after PMX-F treatment was 16.7%. Chest X-ray abnormalities were ameliorated in surviving patients after PMX-F treatment. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly after PMX-F treatment (p < 0.01). The PF ratio also increased significantly after PMX-F treatment (p < 0.01). Blood MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in ARDS patients (126.4 ± 36.4 and 326.5 ± 52.5 ng/ml) were significantly higher than in controls (34.5 ± 12.5 and 160.5 ± 24.5 ng/ml; p < 0.01). PMX-F treatment reduced these levels significantly (the first treatment: MMP-9 85.4 ± 28.6 ng/ml, p < 0.05, TIMP-1 265.8 ± 36.6 ng/ml, p < 0.05; the second treatment: MMP-9 56.5 ± 18.8 ng/ml, p < 0.01, TIMP-1 220.6 ± 30.5 ng/ml, p < 0.01). Conclusion: These data suggest that MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of ARDS and that PMX-F treatment ameliorated increased MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in ARDS patients.

Hemoperfusion with Polymyxin B-Immobilized Fiber in Septic Patients with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Associated Glomerulonephritis

Background/Aims: We investigated whether urinary podocytes are present in septic patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-associated glomerulonephritis and whether polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) treatment affects proteinuria and urinary podocyte excretion in these patients. Methods: Twenty septic patients with MRSA-associated glomerulonephritis (mean age: 63.7 years) and 80 septic patients whose MRSA infection was not followed by glomerulonephritis (mean age: 60.5 years) were included in this study. All septic patients were treated with fosfomycin sodium, β-lactams, arbekacin sulfate, and teicoplanin, or a combination of these. Twenty septic patients with MRSA-associated glomerulonephritis were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: PMX-F treatment (group A, n = 10) and conventional treatment (group B, n = 10). PMX-F treatment was repeated twice. Results: Urinary podocytes and urinary protein excretion were not detected in MRSA septic patients without glomerulonephritis. However, urinary podocytes (1.7 ± 0.6 cells/ml) and proteinuria (2.6 ± 0.6 g/d) were detected in the 20 septic patients with MRSA-associated glomerulonephritis. Plasma endotoxin levels were decreased from 13.6 ± 4.6 pg/ml to 6.6 ± 2.2 pg/ml (p < 0.05) in group A. Levels in group B, however, showed little difference after treatment. Urinary podocytes were reduced in group A (from 1.8 ± 0.6 cells/ml to 0.4 ± 0.2 cells/ml, p < 0.01) as was urinary protein excretion (from 3.0 ± 0.5 g/d to 0.8 ± 0.4 g/d, p < 0.01) but urinary podocytes and protein excretion levels showed little difference after treatment in group B. Conclusion: PMX-F treatment may be effective in reducing urinary protein and urinary podocyte excretion in septic patients with MRSA-associated glomerulonephritis.

Effects of Polymyxin B-Immobilized Fiber Hemoperfusion on Amino Acid Imbalance in Septic Encephalopathy

Background: Septic encephalopathy is a common term denoting the signs of progressing central nervous system dysfunction in septic patients. Metabolic alterations including amino acid imbalance are involved in the pathogenesis of septic encephalopathy. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the ratio of branched-chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids is altered in patients with septic encephalopathy and whether polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) hemoperfusion affects this balance. Methods: 16 septic patients with encephalopathy, 10 septic patients without encephalopathy, and 20 healthy controls were included in this study. Sepsis was diagnosed according to the ACCP/SCCM Consensus Conference criteria. Plasma endotoxin levels, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and amino acid ratios were measured before and after PMX-F treatment. Results: Within 12 h of the onset of septic encephalopathy, plasma endotoxin and IL-6 levels were increased significantly in septic patients with encephalopathy in comparison to those in septic patients without encephalopathy (endotoxin, p < 0.05; IL-6, p < 0.01) and those in healthy controls (endotoxin; p < 0.001; IL-6, p < 0.001). The ratio of branched-chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids in septic patients with encephalopathy was decreased in comparison to the ratio in septic patients without encephalopathy (p < 0.05) and that in healthy controls (p < 0.01). PMX-F treatment reduced plasma endotoxin (p < 0.01) and IL-6 levels (p < 0.01) and increased the ratio of branched-chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The amino acid imbalance in patients with septic encephalopathy may be a marker for the severity of the septic syndrome, and PMX-F hemoperfusion is effective in ameliorating the increased plasma endotoxin and IL-6 levels and the amino acid imbalance in these patients.

Combination therapy with polymyxin B-immobilized fibre haemoperfusion and teicoplanin for sepsis due to methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The aim of the present study was to determine whether treatment with polymyxin B-immobilized fibre (PMX-F) haemoperfusion, teicoplanin, or both in combination is effective in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sepsis. Sixty patients with MRSA sepsis were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: (A) PMX-F treatment (N=15), (B) teicoplanin treatment (N=15), (C) PMX-F and teicoplanin in combination (N=20) and (D) conventional therapy (N=10). PMX-F treatment was repeated twice. Teicoplanin was administered by intravenous injection. Plasma endotoxin levels were determined by endospecy test. Plasma endotoxin levels were reduced in groups A and C (P<0.05). Survival rates were 53, 47, 90, and 20% in groups A, B, C and D, respectively (group C versus group A, P<0.05; group C versus group B, P<0.01; group C versus group D,P <0.001). The mean duration of stay was 44, 42, 28 and 56 days in groups A, B, C and D, respectively. Our data suggest that combination therapy with PMX-F and teicoplanin is effective for sepsis caused by MRSA.

Effect of polymyxin B-immobilized fibre on various mediators in patients with hypothermic sepsis

Objective: We compared the effects of polymyxin B-immobilized fibre (PMX-F) therapy and conventional treatment on plasma concentrations of various mediators in patients with hypothermic sepsis. Design and subjects: One-hundred and twenty febrile and 20 hypothermic sepsis patients and 40 healthy controls were included in this study. Plasma levels of thrombomudulin (TM) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Plasma levels of erythropoietin (EPO) and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hypothermic sepsis patients were divided into two treatment groups: PMX-F treatment group (group A, n=10) and conventional treatment group (group B, n=10). Results: Plasma endotoxin, TM, vWF, IL-6 and EPO concentrations were significantly higher in hypothermic sepsis patients than in febrile sepsis patients (p&lt;0.05 or p&lt;0.001). The survival rate was 60% in group A and 10% in group B. PMX-F reduced these concentrations significantly in group A (p&lt;0.01) while conventional treatments did not affect these concentrations. Conclusion: Hypothermic sepsis is associated with amplified TM, vWF, IL-6 and EPO concentrations. PMX-F may be effective in reducing these factors in hypothermic sepsis patients.

Effect of polymyxin B-immobilized fibre on various mediators in patients with hypothermic sepsis

Objective: We compared the effects of polymyxin B-immobilized fibre (PMX-F) therapy and conventional treatment on plasma concentrations of various mediators in patients with hypothermic sepsis. Design and subjects: One-hundred and twenty febrile and 20 hypothermic sepsis patients and 40 healthy controls were included in this study. Plasma levels of thrombomudulin (TM) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Plasma levels of erythropoietin (EPO) and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hypothermic sepsis patients were divided into two treatment groups: PMX-F treatment group (group A, n=10) and conventional treatment group (group B, n=10). Results: Plasma endotoxin, TM, vWF, IL-6 and EPO concentrations were significantly higher in hypothermic sepsis patients than in febrile sepsis patients (p<0.05 or p<0.001). The survival rate was 60% in group A and 10% in group B. PMX-F reduced these concentrations significantly in group A (p<0.01) wh...

POLYMYXIN B-IMMOBILIZED FIBER REDUCES INCREASED PLASMA ENDOTHELIN-1 CONCENTRATIONS IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS

We studied whether plasma endothelin (ET) −1 concentrations are altered in patients with septic shock who are undergoing hemodialysis and whether polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-F) treatment affects on these concentrations. Fifteen hemodialysis patients with septic shock treated with PMX-F (group A), 10 such patients who received conventional treatments (group B), 20 hemodialysis patients without septic shock (group C) and 20 healthy controls (group D) were included in this study. Plasma ET1 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and endotoxin levels were determined by endospecy test. The survival rate in group A (67%) was higher than that in group B (30%). Blood endotoxin levels decreased significantly from 36.4 ± 8.2 pg/mL to 10.6 ± 3.8 pg/mL (p < 0.01) after PMX-F treatment in group A. The pretreatment plasma ET-1 levels in patients in group A (58.6 ± 9.8 pg/mL) and group B (56.8 ± 7.8 pg/mL) were significantly higher than those ingroup C (p < 0.01) and group D (p < 0.001). Plasma ET-1 levels in group C (11.2 ± 3.2 pg/mL) were higher than those in group D (2.6 ± 0.6 pg/mL) (p < 0.01). Plasma ET-1 levels following hemodialysis (10.9 ± 3.0 pg/mL) were not altered significantly compared with those before hemodialysis. Plasma ET-1 levels decreased significantly in group A after PMX-F treatment (11.4 ± 3.6 pg/mL) (p < 0.01) the levels in group B were not altered after conventional treatment. Our data suggest that ET-1 may be associated with septic shock in patients undergoing hemodialysis and that PMX-F is effective in reducing plasma ET-1 levels in these patients.