Purpose: Although some studies have reported favorable effects of direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin-B-immobilized fiber columns (PMX) for the treatment of septic shock, few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of PMX in studies with a uniform case definition and without any other blood purification techniques.
Materials and methods: Fifty-two patients with severe sepsis or septic shock secondary to colorectal perforation were treated with PMX. Hemodynamic alterations and plasma concentrations of endotoxin, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were evaluated following PMX treatment.
Results: We observed a significant reduction in plasma endotoxin in the nonsurvivors immediately after PMX treatment compared to before treatment. Systolic blood pressure was markedly increased and circulating levels of IL-1beta, IL-1Ra, and IL-8 were significantly reduced during a 2-h interval of PMX.
Conclusions: Our findings suggested that PMX treatment appears to adsorb endotoxin and also modulates circulating cytokine during a 2-h interval of direct hemoperfusion in septic patients with such condition.