OBJECTIVE. Endotoxins and cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of multi-organ failure and mortality in patients suffering from severe Gram-negative bacterial infection. The aim of this study was to determine whether in patients with such infections, use of a haemofilter with enhanced endotoxin haemoadsorption and cytokine removal properties helps to overcome organ dysfunction.

DESIGN. Prospective case series study with historical controls.

SETTING. A regional hospital in Hong Kong.

PATIENTS. From October 2011 to June 2012, patients with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury due to Gram-negative bacteria were recruited. Continuous venovenous haemofiltration using oXiris haemofilter was performed. The patients’ APACHE (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation) II and inclusion criteria matched those of a series of selected historical controls who had been treated with continuous venovenous haemofiltration using polysulfone-based haemofilter from 2009 to 2011. The percentage reduction in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score by 24 and 48 hours, the percentage reduction of noradrenaline equivalent usage by 48 hours, as well as intensive care unit and hospital mortality in the two groups were compared.

RESULTS. Pre-treatment biochemical parameters and vasopressor use in the six patients undergoing the intervention and the 24 historical controls were similar. The mean circuit life of oXiris was about 61 hours. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was significantly reduced by 37% at 48 hours post-initiation of oXiris-continuous venovenous haemofiltration versus an increment of 3% in the historical controls. No significant side-effect was detected. Mortality was similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSION. The haemofilter membrane with enhanced endotoxin adsorption and cytokine removal capacity was a safe alternative to traditional polysulfone-based continuous venovenous haemofiltration and expedited improvement in organ dysfunction.

Key words: Acute kidney injury; Cytokines; Endotoxins; Hemadsorption; Sepsis

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