Early induction of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin-B immobilized column is associated with amelioration of hemodynamic derangement and mortality in patients with septic shock.

This study was conducted to clarify the effectiveness of induction timing of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin-B immobilized column (PMX-DHP) for amelioration of hemodynamic derangement and outcome in patients with septic shock. Suspected Gram-negative septic shock patients who received PMX-DHP therapy from January 2010 to December 2014 in our ICU were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups that received PMX-DHP therapy within 8 h (early group) and more than 8 h (late group) from catecholamine administration. Changes in catecholamine dose [catecholamine index (CAI)], catecholamine dose/mean arterial pressure [catecholamine index pressure (CAIP)], PaO2/FiO2 and PEEP level were determined at the start of and 24 h after the start of PMX-DHP therapy. Ventilator-free days (VFD), ICU-free days (IFD), 28-day and hospital mortality were also determined. There were no significant differences in patients' characteristics between the two groups. CAI and CAIP were significantly decreased in the early group. PaO2/FiO2 was not changed whereas PEEP level in the early group was significantly decreased during PMX-DHP therapy. IFD and VFD were not different in the two groups. Mortality at 28 days was significantly improved in the early group. Endotoxin acts as an early mediator in sepsis patients with suspected Gram-negative infection. Earlier induction of PMX-DHP therapy as in our study is closely associated with earlier weaning from hemodynamic derangement and with improvement of mortality. Therefore, early induction of PMX-DHP therapy is recommended for the treatment of septic shock in patients with presumed Gram-negative infection.