High-volume versus standard-volume haemofiltration for septic shock patients with acute kidney injury (IVOIRE study): a multicentre randomized controlled trial

[Extracorporeal procedures in sepsis]

Sepsis and septic shock are frequent and severe clinical pictures in intensive care medicine that result from a dysregulated immune response to an infection and cause a high mortality rate. This article provides an overview of the various extracorporeal procedures used to treat sepsis. Various procedures are used to treat sepsis and septic shock. These include high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF), very high-volume hemofiltration (VHVHF), high cut-off filter (HCO), polymyxin B hemoperfusion and cytokine adsorption filters. The HVHF and VHVHF remove inflammatory mediators but show no significant benefit in terms of stabilization and survival in sepsis patients. The HCO filters effectively eliminate cytokines but so far there is no evidence of a survival benefit. Polymyxin B hemoperfusion shows promising results in initial studies in certain patient groups, while evidence for cytokine adsorption filters is limited. Combined plasma filtration and adsorption (CPFA) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) have so far shown promising results in small studies. Although CPFA shows no survival benefit, TPE may have protective effects on the vascular glycocalyx. Extracorporeal procedures carry risks such as thrombosis and loss of proteins and clotting factors. The therapeutic benefit of these procedures in the treatment of sepsis remains unclear and further prospective randomized multicenter studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy and safety. There are currently no guideline recommendations for the routine use of these procedures in sepsis.

COMPARISON OF OXIRIS AND CONVENTIONAL CONTINUOUS RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN MANAGING SEVERE ABDOMINAL INFECTIONS: IMPACT ON SEPTIC SHOCK MORTALITY

ABSTRACT

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess and compare the efficacy of oXiris with conventional continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in managing severe abdominal infections. Methods: A retrospective analysis encompassing cases from 2017 to 2023 was conducted at the Department of Critical Care Medicine within the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. Parameters including heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygenation index, lactate (Lac), platelet count, neutrophil ratio, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), norepinephrine dosage, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) were recorded prior to treatment initiation, at 24 h, and 72 h after treatment for both the oXiris and conventional CRRT groups. In addition, the duration of respiratory support, CRRT treatment, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), total hospitalization period, and mortality rates at 14 and 28 days for both groups were recorded. Results: 1) Within the conventional CRRT group, notable enhancement was observed solely in Lac levels at 24 h after treatment compared with pretreatment levels. In addition, at 72 h after treatment, improvements were evident in HR, Lac, CRP, and IL-6 levels. 2) Conversely, the oXiris group exhibited improvements in HR, MAP, Lac, oxygenation index, neutrophil ratio, and IL-6 at 24 h after treatment when compared with baseline values. In addition, reductions were observed in APACHE II and SOFA scores. At 72 h after treatment, all parameters demonstrated enhancement except for platelet count. 3) Analysis of the changes in the indexes (Δ) between the two groups at 24 h after treatment revealed variances in HR, MAP, Lac, norepinephrine dosage, CRP levels, IL-6 levels, APACHE II scores, and SOFA scores. 4) The Δ indexes at 72 h after treatment indicated more significant improvements following oXiris treatment for both groups, except for procalcitonin. 5) The 14-day mortality rate (24.4%) exhibited a significant reduction in the oXiris group when compared with the conventional group (43.6%). However, no significant difference was observed in the 28-day mortality rate between the two groups. 6) Subsequent to multifactorial logistic regression analysis, the results indicated that oXiris treatment correlated with a noteworthy decrease in the 14-day and 28-day mortality rates associated with severe abdominal infections, by 71.3% and 67.6%, respectively. Conclusion: oXiris demonstrates clear advantages over conventional CRRT in the management of severe abdominal infections. Notably, it reduces the fatality rates, thereby establishing itself as a promising and potent therapeutic option.

[What is confirmed in the treatment of sepsis? : An update]

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is defined as "being evoked as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an inadequate host response to infection". The most recent German S3 guidelines were published in 2018 and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) last published the current recommendations for the treatment of sepsis and septic shock in 2021.

OBJECTIVE

This article explores and discusses which evidence in the treatment of sepsis and septic shock has been confirmed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Discussion of the 2018 German S3 guidelines, supplementation of the content of the 2021 international guidelines and recent research results since 2021.

RESULTS

The primary objective for managing sepsis and septic shock still includes rapid identification, early initiation of anti-infective treatment, and focus cleansing when feasible. In addition, the focus is on hemodynamic stabilization, including the early use of vasopressors for prevention of hypervolemia and, if necessary, the use of organ support procedures. Supportive treatment, such as the administration of corticosteroids and the use of apheresis, can be advantageous in specific scenarios. The focus is increasingly shifting towards post-intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up care, improving the quality of life after surviving sepsis and the close involvement of relatives of the patient.

CONCLUSION

Despite the fact that considerable progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of sepsis, the early administration of anti-infective agents, focus control, nuanced volume therapy and the use of catecholamines continue to be fundamental to sepsis management. New recommendations emphasize the early use of vasopressors (primarily norepinephrine) and the administration of corticosteroids, especially in cases of septic shock and pneumonia.

Association of Weight-indexed Conventional Ultrafiltration Volume with Post-operative Lactate in Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background

Conventional ultrafiltration (CUF) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is utilized to minimize hemodilution. However, removing high volumes leads to tissue hypoperfusion by activating the anaerobic glycolysis pathways. This study aimed to determine the association between weight-indexed CUF volumes and lactate in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

In this single-center retrospective study, 641 CABG patients, who were referred to Al-Zahra Hospital (Shiraz, Iran) and underwent CPB, during 2019-2021, were recruited. Peri-operative parameters were extracted from the patient's records. The patients with non-elective status, pre-existing liver and renal diseases, ejection fraction<35%, and repeated sternotomy were excluded from the study. An increase in post-operative lactate level≥4 mmol/L after 6 hours was defined as hyperlactatemia (HL). To predict HL, univariable and multiple logistic regression modeling, while controlling confounding factors, were employed.

Results

The patients' mean age was 58.8±11.1 years, and 39.2% were women. The incidence of HL was 14.5% (93 patients). There was a significant association between weight-indexed CUF volume and HL. The volume removed in the HL patients was almost doubled (43.37±11.32 vs. 21.41±8.15 mL/Kg, P<0.001), and the higher the weight-indexed CUF volume, the more likely to develop an HL at a rate of 1.38 (Odds ratio=1.38 [1.27-1.49], 95% CI, P<0.001). Furthermore, the multiple logistic regression model showed that HL was associated with the lowest mean arterial pressure (MAP) during CPB.

Conclusion

A higher volume of ultrafiltration was associated with increased post-operative serum lactate levels.

Transitions and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients Admitted in Intensive Care Units Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) significantly disrupts vital renal functions and is a common and serious condition in intensive care units (ICUs). AKI leads to extended hospital stays, increases mortality rates, and often necessitates nephrology consultations. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) plays a central role in managing AKI, requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving nephrologists, intensivists, and anesthesiologists. This study examines the clinical profile and progression of AKI in ICU patients requiring CRRT, with a focus on CRRT indications and modalities. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study on ICU patients with AKI requiring CRRT from January to December 2019. AKI diagnosis followed the RIFLE criteria, and patients who received CRRT for less than 36 h were excluded. Data collected included demographics, hemodynamic parameters, and renal function parameters, with follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. Statistical analyses evaluated outcomes and transitions between CRRT and other renal replacement therapies. Results: Among 123 evaluated patients, 95 met inclusion criteria. Fifteen patients received CRRT for less than 36 h, with an early mortality rate of 80%. The final cohort comprised 80 patients who underwent CRRT for over 36 h, with a mean age of 65.3 years (SD = 13.6) and a Charlson index of 6.4. Patients were categorized based on primary diagnosis into heart failure, cardiac surgery, sepsis, other surgeries, and miscellanea groups. Mortality rates were highest in the heart failure and miscellanea groups. Significant variability was observed in therapy transitions and long-term outcomes. Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was the most frequently used CRRT modality. Conclusions: This study highlights the variability in CRRT practices and the poor prognosis for critically ill patients with AKI requiring CRRT. Timely nephrology consultation and tailored treatment plans may improve patient outcomes and optimize CRRT utilization. Future research should focus on refining CRRT protocols and exploring preventive strategies for AKI.

High-volume hemofiltration does not protect human kidney endothelial and tubular epithelial cells from septic plasma-induced injury

High volume hemofiltration (HVHF) could remove from plasma inflammatory mediators involved in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI). The IVOIRE trial did not show improvements of outcome and organ dysfunction using HVHF. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the biological effects of plasma of patients treated by HVHF or standard volume hemofiltration (SVHF). We evaluated leukocyte adhesion, apoptosis and functional alterations of endothelial cells (EC) and tubular epithelial cells (TEC). In vitro data were correlated with plasma levels of TNF-α, Fas-Ligand (FasL), CD40-Ligand (CD40L), von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and endothelial-derived microparticles. An experimental model of in vitro hemofiltration using LPS-activated blood was established to assess cytokine mass adsorption during HVHF or SVHF. Plasma concentrations of TNF-ɑ, FasL, CD40L and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) were elevated at the start (d1h0) of both HVHF and SVHF, significantly decreased after 6 h (d1h6), remained stable after 12 h (d1h12) and then newly increased at 48 h (d3h0). Plasma levels of all these molecules were similar between HVHF- and SVHF-treated patients at all time points considered. In addition, the levels of endothelial microparticles remained always elevated, suggesting the presence of a persistent microvascular injury. Plasma from septic patients induced leukocyte adhesion on EC and TEC through up-regulation of adhesion receptors. Moreover, on EC, septic plasma induced a cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic effect. On TEC, septic plasma exerted a direct pro-apoptotic effect via Fas up-regulation and caspase activation, loss of polarity, altered expression of megalin and tight junction molecules with an impaired ability to internalize albumin. The inhibition of plasma-induced cell injury was concomitant to the decrease of TNF-α, Fas-Ligand and CD40-Ligand levels. The protective effect of both HVHF and SVHF was time-limited, since a further increase of circulating mediators and plasma-induced cell injury was observed after 48 h (d3h0). No significant difference of EC/TEC damage were observed using HVHF- or SVHF-treated plasma. The in vitro hemofiltration model confirmed the absence of a significant modulation of cytokine adsorption between HVHF and SVHF. In comparison to SVHF, HVHF did not increase inflammatory cytokine clearance and did not reverse the detrimental effects of septic plasma-induced EC and TEC injury. Further studies using adsorptive membranes are needed to evaluate the potential role of high dose convective therapies in the limitation of the harmful activity of plasma soluble factors involved in SA-AKI.Trial registration IVOIRE randomized clinical trial; ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00241228) (18/10/2005).

Barriers and Facilitators of Surrogates Providing Consent for Critically Ill Patients in Clinical Trials: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Enrollment into critical care clinical trials is often hampered by the need to rely on surrogate decision-makers. To identify potential interventions facilitating enrollment into critical care clinical trials, a better understanding of surrogate decision-making for critical care clinical trial enrollment is needed.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the barriers and facilitators of critical care trial enrollment? What are surrogate decision-makers' perspectives on proposed interventions to facilitate trial enrollment?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews with 20 surrogate decision-makers of critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes using an inductive approach.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis confirmed previous research showing that trust in the system, assessing the risks and benefits of trial participation, the desire to help others, and building medical knowledge as important motivating factors for trial enrollment. Two previously undescribed concerns among surrogate decision-makers of critically ill patients were identified, including the potential to interfere with clinical treatment decisions and negative sentiment about placebos. Surrogates viewed public recognition and charitable donations for participation as favorable potential interventions to encourage trial enrollment. However, participants viewed direct financial incentives and prioritizing research participants during medical rounds negatively.

INTERPRETATION

This study confirms and extends previous findings that health system trust, study risks and benefits, altruism, knowledge generation, interference with clinical care, and placebos are key concerns and barriers for surrogate decision-makers to enroll patients in critical care trials. Future studies are needed to evaluate if charitable giving on the patient's behalf and public recognition are effective strategies to promote enrollment into critical care trials.

Antibiotics Removal during Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Septic Shock Patients: Mixed Modality Versus "Expanded Haemodialysis"

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Renal replacement therapy (RRT) plays a critical role in antimicrobial removal, particularly for low-molecular-weight drugs with low plasma protein binding, low distribution volume and hydrophilicity. Medium cut-off (MCO) membranes represent a new generation in dialysis technology, enhancing diffusive modality efficacy and increasing the cut-off from 30 to 45 kDa, crucial for middle molecule removal. This monocentric randomized crossover pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of continuous haemodialysis with MCO membrane (MCO-CVVHD) on the removal of piperacillin, tazobactam and meropenem compared with continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration with standard high-flux membrane (HFM-CVVHDF).

METHODS

Twenty patients were randomized to undergo MCO-CVVHD followed by HFM-CVVHDF or vice versa. Extraction ratio (ER), effluent clearance (Cleff) and treatment efficiency were assessed at various intervals. Antibiotic nadir plasma levels were measured for both treatment days.

RESULTS

HFM-CVVHDF showed greater ER compared with MCO-CVVHD for meropenem (β = - 8.90 (95% CI - 12.9 to - 4.87), p < 0.001) and tazobactam (β = - 8.29 (95% CI - 13.5 to - 3.08), p = 0.002) and Cleff for each antibiotic (meropenem β = - 10,206 (95% CI - 14,787 to - 5787), p = 0.001); tazobactam (β = - 4551 (95% CI - 7781 to - 1322), p = 0.012); piperacillin (β = - 3913 (95% CI - 6388 to - 1437), p = 0.002), even if the carryover effect influenced the Cleff for meropenem and tazobactam. No difference was observed in nadir plasma concentrations or efficiency for any antibiotic. Piperacillin (β = - 38.1 (95% CI - 47.9 to - 28.3), p < 0.001) and tazobactam (β = - 4.45 (95% CI - 6.17 to - 2.72), p < 0.001) showed lower nadir plasma concentrations the second day compared with the first day, regardless the filter type.

CONCLUSION

MCO demonstrated comparable in vivo removal of piperacillin, tazobactam and meropenem to HFM.

Purified granulocytes in extracorporeal cell therapy: A multifaceted approach to combat sepsis-induced immunoparalysis

BACKGROUND

Immune cell dysfunction plays a central role in sepsis-induced immunoparalysis. Targeted treatment using healthy donor immune cell transfusions, particularly granulocyte concentrates (GC) potentially induces tissue damage. Initial trials using GC in an extracorporeal immune cell perfusion system provided evidence for beneficial effects with fewer side effects, by separating patient and donor immune cell compartments. A multicenter clinical trial is exploring feasibility and effects of a 6-h treatment (NCT06143137). This ex vivo study examines technical feasibility and cellular effects of an extended treatment interval up to 24 h.

METHODS

Standard GC were purified to increase the potential storage time and subsequently implemented in the extracorporeal immune cell perfusion system. Parameters assessed included cell viability, phagocytosis activity, oxidative burst, cytokine release, and metabolic parameters of purified. GC during an extended circulation time of up to 24 h.

RESULTS

After storage of 72 h granulocytes were viable throughout the study period and exhibited preserved functionality and metabolic activity. The findings highlight a time-dependent nature of cytokine release by neutrophils in the extracorporeal circuit, as cytokine secretion patterns showed IL-8 peaking within 6 h, while MCP-1, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α increased after 24 h of circulation.

CONCLUSION

Purified GC remain functional after 72 h of storage and additional 24 h in the circulating treatment model. Cytokine secretion patterns revealed a significant increase, especially between 10 and 24 h of treatment. Extending treatment time holds promise for enhancing immune response against sepsis-induced immunoparalysis. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing immune-targeted therapeutic interventions.

Acute Kidney Injury in Sepsis

Sepsis-associated kidney injury is common in critically ill patients and significantly increases morbidity and mortality rates. Several complex pathophysiological factors contribute to its presentation and perpetuation, including macrocirculatory and microcirculatory changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic reprogramming. Recovery from acute kidney injury (AKI) relies on the evolution towards adaptive mechanisms such as endothelial repair and tubular cell regeneration, while maladaptive repair increases the risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. Fundamental management strategies include early sepsis recognition and prompt treatment, through the administration of adequate antimicrobial agents, fluid resuscitation, and vasoactive agents as needed. In septic patients, organ-specific support is often required, particularly renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the setting of severe AKI, although ongoing debates persist regarding the ideal timing of initiation and dosing of RRT. A comprehensive approach integrating early recognition, targeted interventions, and close monitoring is essential to mitigate the burden of SA-AKI and improve patient outcomes in critical care settings.

Adjunctive immunotherapeutic agents in patients with sepsis and septic shock: a multidisciplinary consensus of 23

BACKGROUND

In the last decades, several adjunctive treatments have been proposed to reduce mortality in septic shock patients. Unfortunately, mortality due to sepsis and septic shock remains elevated and NO trials evaluating adjunctive therapies were able to demonstrate any clear benefit. In light of the lack of evidence and conflicting results from previous studies, in this multidisciplinary consensus, the authors considered the rational, recent investigations and potential clinical benefits of targeted adjunctive therapies.

METHODS

A panel of multidisciplinary experts defined clinical phenotypes, treatments and outcomes of greater interest in the field of adjunctive therapies for sepsis and septic shock. After an extensive systematic literature review, the appropriateness of each treatment for each clinical phenotype was determined using the modified RAND/UCLA appropriateness method.

RESULTS

The consensus identified two distinct clinical phenotypes: patients with overwhelming shock and patients with immune paralysis. Six different adjunctive treatments were considered the most frequently used and promising: (i) corticosteroids, (ii) blood purification, (iii) immunoglobulins, (iv) granulocyte/monocyte colony-stimulating factor and (v) specific immune therapy (i.e. interferon-gamma, IL7 and AntiPD1). Agreement was achieved in 70% of the 25 clinical questions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although clinical evidence is lacking, adjunctive therapies are often employed in the treatment of sepsis. To address this gap in knowledge, a panel of national experts has provided a structured consensus on the appropriate use of these treatments in clinical practice.

Challenges in Septic Shock: From New Hemodynamics to Blood Purification Therapies

Sepsis and septic shock are associated with high mortality, with diagnosis and treatment remaining a challenge for clinicians. Their management classically encompasses hemodynamic resuscitation, antibiotic treatment, life support, and focus control; however, there are aspects that have changed. This narrative review highlights current and avant-garde methods of handling patients experiencing septic shock based on the experience of its authors and the best available evidence in a context of uncertainty. Following the first recommendation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, it is recommended that specific sepsis care performance improvement programs are implemented in hospitals, i.e., "Sepsis Code" programs, designed ad hoc, to achieve this goal. Regarding hemodynamics, the importance of perfusion and hemodynamic coherence stand out, which allow for the recognition of different phenotypes, determination of the ideal time for commencing vasopressor treatment, and the appropriate fluid therapy dosage. At present, this is not only important for the initial timing, but also for de-resuscitation, which involves the early weaning of support therapies, directed elimination of fluids, and fluid tolerance concept. Finally, regarding blood purification therapies, those aimed at eliminating endotoxins and cytokines are attractive in the early management of patients in septic shock.

Dynamic dosing for continuous renal replacement therapy: Service evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of titrating dose to biochemistry

Introduction

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) dose is usually fixed and primarily weight-based. Whilst this is safe, theoretically, underdosing or overdosing may occur in those requiring acute versus maintenance CRRT respectively. We have developed a dynamic dosing protocol for CRRT which individualises and updates dosing according to biochemistry. Here we describe the protocol and compare it to a fixed dose protocol to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

Methods

We conducted a service evaluation of this novel protocol using data from consecutive non-COVID-19 admissions receiving CRRT within Barts Health NHS trust, United Kingdom (UK). Fifty admissions using the dynamic protocol were compared to historically collected data from 108 admissions who used the fixed protocol. Acute and maintenance CRRT subgroups were analysed.

Results

For the dynamic protocol 49 patients were treated with 135 CRRT circuits. One patient had two admissions. Protocol compliance (compared in one ICU) was 76% (dynamic) vs 61% (fixed) (p < 0.05). For the dynamic versus fixed protocol, median CRRT lifespan censored for reasons other than clotting was: 56 h vs 58 h RCA (ns), 27 h versus 20 h heparin (ns) and 79 h versus 22 h no anticoagulation (p < 0.05). The dynamic vs fixed protocol average CRRT dose was: 30 ml/kg/h (14-57) vs 26 ml/kg/h (20-62) (p < 0.05). The dynamic protocol generated a similar rate of increase of bicarbonate in an acute phase (RCA: 0.2 mmol/l/h vs 0.21 mmol/l/h, ns) and maintained a more stable level in a maintenance phase (RCA: -0.01 mmol/l/h vs 0.07 mmol/l/h, p < 0.05).

Discussion

Dynamic dosing for CRRT in this institution was safe and may lead to more tailored maintenance of biochemical homoeostasis.

Severe vitamin C deficiency associated with continuous renal replacement therapy: A case report

Hypovitaminosis C is prevalent in critically ill patients. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) clears vitamin C, increasing the risk for vitamin C deficiency. However, recommendations for vitamin C supplementation in critically ill patients receiving CRRT vary widely, from 250 mg/day to 12 g/day. This case report describes a patient who developed a severe vitamin C deficiency after prolonged CRRT despite receiving ascorbic acid (450 mg/day) supplementation in her parenteral nutrition. This report summarizes recent research investigating vitamin C status in critically ill patients receiving CRRT, discusses the patient case, and provides recommendations for clinical practice. In critically ill patients receiving CRRT, the authors of this manuscript suggest providing at least 1000 mg/day of ascorbic acid to prevent vitamin C deficiency. Baseline vitamin C levels should be checked in patients who are malnourished and/or have other risk factors for vitamin C deficiency, and vitamin C levels should be monitored thereafter every 1-2 weeks.

Current clinical practice in using adjunctive extracorporeal blood purification in sepsis and septic shock: results from the ESICM "EXPLORATION" survey

BACKGROUND

Despite a lack of clear evidence extracorporeal blood purification (EBP) is increasingly used as an adjunctive treatment in septic shock based on its biological plausibility. However, current state of praxis and believes in both efficacy and level of evidence are very heterogeneous.

METHODS

The "EXPLORATION" (Current Clinical Practice in using adjunctive extracorporeal blood purification in septic shock), a web-based survey endorsed by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), questioned both the current local clinical practices as well as future perspectives of EBP in sepsis and septic shock.

RESULTS

One hundred and two people participated in the survey. The majority of three quarters of participants (74.5%) use adjunctive EBP in their clinical routine with a varying frequency of description. Unselective cytokine adsorption (CA) (37.5%) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) (34.1%) were by far the most commonly used modalities. While the overall theoretical rational was found to be moderate to high by the majority of the participants (74%), the effectively existing clinical evidence was acknowledged to be rather low (66%). Although CA was used most frequently in clinical practice, both the best existing clinical evidence endorsing its current use (45%) as well the highest potential to be explored in future clinical trials (51.5%) was attributed to TPE.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the majority of participants use EBP techniques in their clinical practice and acknowledge a subjective good theoretical rationale behind it, the clinical evidence is assessed to be limited. While both CA and TPE are by far the most common used technique, both clinical evidence as well as future potential for further exploration in clinical trials was assessed to be the highest for TPE.

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury-treatment standard

Sepsis is a host's deleterious response to infection, which could lead to life-threatening organ dysfunction. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is the most frequent organ dysfunction and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Sepsis contributes to ≈50% of all AKI in critically ill adult patients. A growing body of evidence has unveiled key aspects of the clinical risk factors, pathobiology, response to treatment and elements of renal recovery that have advanced our ability to detect, prevent and treat SA-AKI. Despite these advancements, SA-AKI remains a critical clinical condition and a major health burden, and further studies are needed to diminish the short and long-term consequences of SA-AKI. We review the current treatment standards and discuss novel developments in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, outcome prediction and management of SA-AKI.

Blood Purification for Adult Patients With Severe Infection or Sepsis/Septic Shock: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive and updated systematic review with network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the outcome benefits of various blood purification modalities for adult patients with severe infection or sepsis.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted a search of PubMed, MEDLINE, clinical trial registries, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases with no language restrictions.

STUDY SELECTION

Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected.

DATA EXTRACTION

The primary outcome was overall mortality. The secondary outcomes were the length of mechanical ventilation (MV) days and ICU stay, incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), and kidney replacement therapy requirement.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We included a total of 60 RCTs with 4,595 participants, comparing 16 blood purification modalities with 17 interventions. Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion (relative risk [RR]: 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57-0.86) and plasma exchange (RR: 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42-0.91) were associated with low mortality (very low and low certainty of evidence, respectively). Because of the presence of high clinical heterogeneity and intransitivity, the potential benefit of polymyxin-B hemoperfusion remained inconclusive. The analysis of secondary outcomes was limited by the scarcity of available studies. HA330 with high-volume continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), HA330, and standard-volume CVVH were associated with shorter ICU stay. HA330 with high-volume CVVH, HA330, and standard-volume CVVH were beneficial in reducing MV days. None of the interventions showed a significant reduction in the incidence of AKI or the need for kidney replacement therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our NMA suggests that plasma exchange and polymyxin-B hemoperfusion may provide potential benefits for adult patients with severe infection or sepsis/septic shock when compared with standard care alone, but most comparisons were based on low or very low certainty evidence. The therapeutic effect of polymyxin-B hemoperfusion remains uncertain. Further RCTs are required to identify the specific patient population that may benefit from extracorporeal blood purification.

Beneficial effects of recombinant CER-001 high-density lipoprotein infusion in sepsis: results from a bench to bedside translational research project

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated immune response and metabolic alterations, including decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. HDL exhibits beneficial properties, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) scavenging, exerting anti-inflammatory effects and providing endothelial protection. We investigated the effects of CER-001, an engineered HDL-mimetic, in a swine model of LPS-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and a Phase 2a clinical trial, aiming to better understand its molecular basis in systemic inflammation and renal function.

METHODS

We carried out a translational approach to study the effects of HDL administration on sepsis. Sterile systemic inflammation was induced in pigs by LPS infusion. Animals were randomized into LPS (n = 6), CER20 (single dose of CER-001 20 mg/kg; n = 6), and CER20 × 2 (two doses of CER-001 20 mg/kg; n = 6) groups. Survival rate, endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, pro-inflammatory mediators, LPS, and apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) levels were assessed. Renal and liver histology and biochemistry were analyzed. Subsequently, we performed an open-label, randomized, dose-ranging (Phase 2a) study included 20 patients with sepsis due to intra-abdominal infection or urosepsis, randomized into Group A (conventional treatment, n = 5), Group B (CER-001 5 mg/kg BID, n = 5), Group C (CER-001 10 mg/kg BID, n = 5), and Group D (CER-001 20 mg/kg BID, n = 5). Primary outcomes were safety and efficacy in preventing AKI onset and severity; secondary outcomes include changes in inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers.

RESULTS

CER-001 increased median survival, reduced inflammatory mediators, complement activation, and endothelial dysfunction in endotoxemic pigs. It enhanced LPS elimination through the bile and preserved liver and renal parenchyma. In the clinical study, CER-001 was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events related to study treatment. Rapid ApoA-I normalization was associated with enhanced LPS removal and immunomodulation with improvement of clinical outcomes, independently of the type and gravity of the sepsis. CER-001-treated patients had reduced risk for the onset and progression to severe AKI (stage 2 or 3) and, in a subset of critically ill patients, a reduced need for organ support and shorter ICU length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

CER-001 shows promise as a therapeutic strategy for sepsis management, improving outcomes and mitigating inflammation and organ damage.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was approved by the Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA) and by the Local Ethic Committee (N° EUDRACT 2020-004202-60, Protocol CER-001- SEP_AKI_01) and was added to the EU Clinical Trials Register on January 13, 2021.

Surviving Sepsis After Burn Campaign

INTRODUCTION

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign was developed to improve outcomes for all patients with sepsis. Despite sepsis being the primary cause of death after thermal injury, burns have always been excluded from the Surviving Sepsis efforts. To improve sepsis outcomes in burn patients, an international group of burn experts developed the Surviving Sepsis After Burn Campaign (SSABC) as a testable guideline to improve burn sepsis outcomes.

METHODS

The International Society for Burn Injuries (ISBI) reached out to regional or national burn organizations to recommend members to participate in the program. Two members of the ISBI developed specific "patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcome" (PICO) questions that paralleled the 2021 Surviving Sepsis Campaign [1]. SSABC participants were asked to search the current literature and rate its quality for each topic. At the Congress of the ISBI, in Guadalajara, Mexico, August 28, 2022, a majority of the participants met to create "statements" based on the literature. The "summary statements" were then sent to all members for comment with the hope of developing an 80% consensus. After four reviews, a consensus statement for each topic was created or "no consensus" was reported.

RESULTS

The committee developed sixty statements within fourteen topics that provide guidance for the early treatment of sepsis in burn patients. These statements should be used to improve the care of sepsis in burn patients. The statements should not be considered as "static" comments but should rather be used as guidelines for future testing of the best treatments for sepsis in burn patients. They should be updated on a regular basis.

CONCLUSION

Members of the burn community from the around the world have developed the Surviving Sepsis After Burn Campaign guidelines with the goal of improving the outcome of sepsis in burn patients.

Intraoperative Renal Replacement Therapy in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Acute kidney injury in patients admitted to the hospital for liver transplantation is common, with up to 80% of pretransplant patients having some form of acute kidney injury. Many of these patients start on dialysis prior to their transplant and have it continued intraoperatively during their surgery. This review discusses the limited existing literature and expert opinion around the indications and outcomes around intraoperative dialysis (intraoperative renal replacement therapy) during liver transplantation. More specifically, we discuss which patients may benefit from intraoperative renal replacement therapy and the impact of hyponatremia and hyperammonemia on the dialysis prescription. Additionally, we discuss the complex interplay between anesthesia and intraoperative renal replacement therapy and how the need for clearance and ultrafiltration changes throughout the different phases of the transplant (preanhepatic, anhepatic, and postanhepatic). Lastly, this review will cover the limited data around patient outcomes following intraoperative renal replacement therapy during liver transplantation as well as the best evidence for when to stop dialysis.

Management of renal replacement therapy among adults in French intensive care units: A bedside practice evaluation

Background

This study aimed to investigate renal replacement therapy (RRT) practices in a representative nationwide sample of French intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

From July 1 to October 5 2021, 67 French ICUs provided data regarding their ICU and RRT implementation. We used an online questionnaire to record general data about each participating ICU, including the type of hospital, number of beds, staff ratios, and RRT implementation. Each center then prospectively recorded RRT parameters from 5 consecutive acute kidney injury (AKI) patients, namely the indication, type of dialysis catheter used, type of catheter lock used, type of RRT (continuous or intermittent), the RRT parameters initially prescribed (dose, blood flow, and duration), and the anticoagulant agent used for the circuit.

Results

A total of 303 patients from 67 ICUs were analyzed. Main indications for RRT were oligo-anuria (57.4%), metabolic acidosis (52.1%), and increased plasma urea levels (47.9%). The commonest insertion site was the right internal jugular (45.2%). In 71.0% of cases, the dialysis catheter was inserted by a resident. Ultrasound guidance was used in 97.0% and isovolumic connection in 90.1%. Citrate, unfractionated heparin, and saline were used as catheter locks in 46.9%, 24.1%, and 21.1% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions

Practices in French ICUs are largely compliant with current national guidelines and international literature. The findings should be interpreted in light of the limitations inherent to this type of study.

Extracorporeal blood purification strategies in sepsis and septic shock: An insight into recent advancements

BACKGROUND

Despite various therapies to treat sepsis, it is one of the leading causes of mortality in the intensive care unit patients globally. Knowledge about the pathophysiology of sepsis has sparked interest in extracorporeal therapies (ECT) which are intended to balance the dysregulation of the immune system by removing excessive levels of inflammatory mediators.

AIM

To review recent data on the use of ECT in sepsis and to assess their effects on various inflammatory and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In this review, an extensive English literature search was conducted from the last two decades to identify the use of ECT in sepsis. A total of 68 articles from peer-reviewed and indexed journals were selected excluding publications with only abstracts.

RESULTS

Results showed that ECT techniques such as high-volume hemofiltration, coupled plasma adsorption/filtration, resin or polymer adsorbers, and CytoSorb^® are emerging as adjunct therapies to improve hemodynamic stability in sepsis. CytoSorb^® has the most published data in regard to the use in the field of septic shock with reports on improved survival rates and lowered sequential organ failure assessment scores, lactate levels, total leucocyte count, platelet count, interleukin- IL-6, IL-10, and TNF levels.

CONCLUSION

Clinical acceptance of ECT in sepsis and septic shock is currently still limited due to a lack of large random clinical trials. In addition to patient-tailored therapies, future research developments with therapies targeting the cellular level of the immune response are expected.

Pharmacokinetics of vancomycin and meropenem during continuous online hemodiafiltration: A case report

OBJECTIVES

The pharmacokinetics of vancomycin and meropenem in patients treated with continuous online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) are not well understood.

CASE

We evaluated dialytic clearance and serum concentrations of vancomycin and meropenem by OL-HDF in a critically ill patient with soft tissue infection. The mean clearance of OL-HDF and mean serum concentrations during continuous OL-HDF were 155.2 mL/min and 23.1 µg/mL for vancomycin and 145.6 mL/min and 22.7 µg/mL for meropenem.

CONCLUSION

Vancomycin and meropenem showed high clearance rates during continuous OL-HDF. However, continuous infusion of these agents at high doses maintained therapeutic serum concentrations.

The Techniques of Blood Purification in the Treatment of Sepsis and Other Hyperinflammatory Conditions

Even in the absence of strong indications deriving from clinical studies, the removal of mediators is increasingly used in septic shock and in other clinical conditions characterized by a hyperinflammatory response. Despite the different underlying mechanisms of action, they are collectively indicated as blood purification techniques. Their main categories include blood- and plasma processing procedures, which can run in a stand-alone mode or, more commonly, in association with a renal replacement treatment. The different techniques and principles of function, the clinical evidence derived from multiple clinical investigations, and the possible side effects are reviewed and discussed along with the persisting uncertainties about their precise role in the therapeutic armamentarium of these syndromes.

Antimicrobial Exposure in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis-Associated Multi-Organ Dysfunction Requiring Extracorporeal Organ Support: A Narrative Review

Sepsis is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. The pathophysiology of sepsis relies on the maladaptive host response to pathogens that fosters unbalanced organ crosstalk and induces multi-organ dysfunction, whose severity was directly associated with mortality. In septic patients, etiologic interventions aiming to reduce the pathogen load via appropriate antimicrobial therapy and the effective control of the source infection were demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes. Nonetheless, extracorporeal organ support represents a complementary intervention that may play a role in mitigating life-threatening complications caused by sepsis-associated multi-organ dysfunction. In this setting, an increasing amount of research raised concerns about the risk of suboptimal antimicrobial exposure in critically ill patients with sepsis, which may be worsened by the concomitant delivery of extracorporeal organ support. Accordingly, several strategies have been implemented to overcome this issue. In this narrative review, we discussed the pharmacokinetic features of antimicrobials and mechanisms that may favor drug removal during renal replacement therapy, coupled plasma filtration and absorption, therapeutic plasma exchange, hemoperfusion, extracorporeal CO₂ removal and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We also provided an overview of evidence-based strategies that may help the physician to safely prescribe effective antimicrobial doses in critically ill patients with sepsis-associated multi-organ dysfunction who receive extracorporeal organ support.

Definitions, phenotypes, and subphenotypes in acute kidney injury-Moving towards precision medicine

The current definition of acute kidney injury (AKI) is generic and, based only on markers of function, is unsuitable for guiding individualized treatment. AKI is a complex syndrome with multiple presentations and causes. Targeted AKI management will only be possible if different phenotypes and subphenotypes of AKI are recognised, based on causation and related pathophysiology. Molecular signatures to identify subphenotypes are being recognised, as specific biomarkers reveal activated pathways. Assessment of individual clinical risk needs wider dissemination to allow identification of patients at high risk of AKI. New and more timely markers for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are available. However, AKI diagnosis and classification should not be limited to GFR, but include tubular function and damage. Combining damage and stress biomarkers with functional markers enhances risk prediction, and identifies a population enriched for clinical trials targeting AKI. We review novel developments and aim to encourage implementation of these new techniques into clinical practice as a strategy for individualizing AKI treatment akin to a precision medicine-based approach.

Cytokine hemoadsorption with CytoSorb® in post-cardiac arrest syndrome, a pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Hemoadsorption (HA) might mitigate the systemic inflammatory response associated with post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) and improve outcomes. Here, we investigated the feasibility, safety and efficacy of HA with CytoSorb® in cardiac arrest (CA) survivors at risk of PCAS.

METHODS

In this pilot randomized controlled trial, we included patients admitted to our intensive care unit following CA and likely to develop PCAS: required norepinephrine (> 0.2 µg/kg/min), and/or had serum lactate > 6 mmol/l and/or a time-to-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) > 25 min. Those requiring ECMO or renal replacement therapy were excluded. Eligible patients were randomly allocated to either receive standard of care (SOC) or SOC plus HA. Hemoadsorption was performed as stand-alone therapy for 24 h, using CytoSorb® and regional heparin-protamine anticoagulation. We collected feasibility, safety and clinical data as well as serial plasma cytokines levels within 72 h of randomization.

RESULTS

We enrolled 21 patients, of whom 16 (76%) had out-of-hospital CA. Median (IQR) time-to-ROSC was 30 (20, 45) minutes. Ten were assigned to the HA group and 11 to the SOC group. Hemoadsorption was initiated in all patients allocated to the HA group within 18 (11, 23) h of ICU admission and conducted for a median duration of 21 (14, 24) h. The intervention was well tolerated except for a trend for a higher rate of aPTT elevation (5 (50%) vs 2 (18%) p = 0.18) and mild (100-150 G/L) thrombocytopenia at day 1 (5 (50%) vs 2 (18%) p = 0.18). Interleukin (IL)-6 plasma levels at randomization were low (< 100 pg/mL) in 10 (48%) patients and elevated (> 1000 pg/mL) in 6 (29%). The median relative reduction in IL-6 at 48 h was 75% (60, 94) in the HA group versus 5% (- 47, 70) in the SOC group (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

In CA survivors at risk of PCAS, HA was feasible, safe and was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in cytokine plasma levels. Future trials are needed to further define the role of HA after CA. Those studies should include cytokine assessment to enrich the study population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03523039, registered 14 May 2018.

CVVHD results in longer filter life than pre-filter CVVH: Results of a quasi-randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Filter clotting is a major issue in continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) that interrupts treatment, reduces delivered effluent dose, and increases cost of care. While a number of variables are involved in filter life, treatment modality is an understudied factor. We hypothesized that filters in pre-filter continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) would have shorter lifespans than in continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD).

METHODS

This was a single center, pragmatic, unblinded, quasi-randomized cluster trial conducted in critically ill adult patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) between March 2020 and December 2020. Patients were quasi-randomized by time block to receive pre-filter CVVH (convection) or CVVHD (diffusion). The primary outcome was filter life, and secondary outcomes were number of filters used, number of filters reaching 72 hours, and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

In the intention-to-treat analysis, filter life in pre-filter CVVH was 79% of that observed in CVVHD (mean ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.97, p = 0.02). Median filter life (with interquartile range) in pre-filter CVVH was 21.8 (11.4-45.3) and was 26.6 (13.0-63.5) for CVVHD. In addition, 11.8% of filters in pre-filter CVVH were active for >72 hours, versus 21.2% in the CVVHD group. Finally, filter clotting accounted for the loss of 26.7% of filters in the CVVH group compared to 17.5% in the CVVHD group. There were no differences in overall numbers of filters used or mortality between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among critically patients with severe AKI requiring CKRT, use of pre-filter CVVH resulted in significantly shorter filter life compared to CVVHD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04762524. Registered 02/21/21-Retroactively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04762524?cond=The+Impact+of+CRRT+Modality+on+Filter+Life&draw=2&rank=1.

Therapeutic apheresis in sepsis

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Dysregulated immune response to infection is a hallmark of sepsis, leading to life-threatening organ dysfunction or even death. Advancing knowledge of the complex pathophysiological mechanisms has been a strong impetus for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at rebalancing the immune response by modulating the excess of both pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. There is a wealth of preclinical data suggesting clinical benefits of various extracorporeal techniques in an attempt to modulate the exaggerated host inflammatory response. However, the evidence base is often weak. Owing to both an advancing comprehension of the pathophysiology and the increased quality of clinical trials, progress has been made in establishing extracorporeal therapies as part of the general therapeutic canon in sepsis. We aim for a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects and clinical applications in the context of the latest evidence concerning these techniques.

Clinical improvement of sepsis by extracorporeal centrifugal leukocyte apheresis in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal blood purification therapies targeting removal of the downstream products of the inflammatory cascade in sepsis have failed to improve mortality. As an upstream process of the inflammatory cascade, activated white blood cells should be a potential therapeutic target for sepsis, and the effect of removing such cells by extracorporeal centrifugal leukocytapheresis (LCAP) is worth considering.

METHODS

Fourteen peritonitis-induced septic pigs were randomly assigned to receive a sham operation (control group, n = 7) or one session of LCAP at 12 h after sepsis induction (treatment group, n = 7). Samples from peripheral blood at various time-points and from LCAP collection were tested. All pigs were euthanized at 48 h, and lung, kidney, liver and spleen tissues were obtained for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Two pigs died in accidents before the induction of sepsis, and 12 pigs were finally included for the statistical analysis. A significant clinical improvement was present in the treatment group relative to the control group in terms of the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), oxygen tension (PaO2), lactic acid level, oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), and carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2, P < 0.05). Flow cytometry tests showed that a mixture of B cells, dendritic cells, T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells, monocytes and neutrophils were removed from the circulation by LCAP, resulting in sepsis-induced change trends in the control cells; these change trends were all flattened in the treatment group, although nonsignificantly.

CONCLUSIONS

LCAP may exert a wide-spectrum and bidirectional immunomodulatory effect on sepsis, accompanied by improvements in hemodynamics and oxygenation status.

Cellular Immuno-Profile in Septic Human Host: A Scoping Review

Simple Summary

Septic shock is a life-threatening disease caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, affecting millions of people every year and killing more than 25% directly despite advances in modern medicine. This pathology is characterized by apoptosis-induced depletion of immune cells and immunodepression. Many alterations in the expression of surface markers of neutrophils and monocytes have been described in septic patients. There is no specific treatment but the early identification and diagnosis of the pathology as well as timely treatment can greatly improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to inspect the recently published literature to inform the clinician about the most up-to-date techniques for the study of immune cell phenotypes and on the function of leukocytes of extracorporeal and non-blood purification treatments proposed for sepsis were also analyzed. The most important alteration observed in septic neutrophils is the activation of a survival program capable of resisting apoptotic death. As regards adaptive immunity, sepsis-induced apoptosis leads to lymphopenia in patients with septic shock and this process involves all types of T cells (CD4, CD8 and Natural Killer), except for regulatory T cells, favoring immunosuppression. Several promising therapies that target the host’s immune response to sepsis are currently under evaluation.

Abstract

Innate and adaptive immune system cells play a critical role in the host response to sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening disease characterized by apoptosis-induced depletion of immune cells and immunodepression, which contribute to morbidity and mortality. Many alterations in the expression of surface markers of neutrophils and monocytes have been described in septic patients. The aim of this study was to inspect the recently published literature to inform the clinician about the most up-to-date techniques for the study of circulating leukocytes. The impact on cell phenotypes and on the function of leukocytes of extracorporeal and non-blood purification treatments proposed for sepsis were also analyzed. We conducted a systematic review using Pubmed/Medline, Ovid/Willey, the Cochrane Library, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and EMBASE, combining key terms related to immunological function in sepsis and selected the most relevant clinical trials and review articles (excluding case reports) published in the last 50 years. The most important alteration in neutrophils during sepsis is that they activate an anti-apoptotic survival program. In septic monocytes, a reduced characteristic expression of HLA-DR is observed, but their role does not seem to be significantly altered in sepsis. As regards adaptive immunity, sepsis leads to lymphopenia and immunosuppression in patients with septic shock; this process involves all types of T cells (CD4, CD8 and Natural Killer), except for regulatory T cells, which retain their function. Several promising therapies that target the host immune response are currently under evaluation. During the worldwide pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, it was useful to study the “cytokine storm” to find additional treatments, such as the oXiris^® filter. This therapy can decrease the concentration of inflammatory markers that affect the severity of the disease.

Heat-Related Illness in Emergency and Critical Care: Recommendations for Recognition and Management with Medico-Legal Considerations

Hyperthermia is an internal body temperature increase above 40.5 °C; normally internal body temperature is kept constant through natural homeostatic mechanisms. Heat-related illnesses occur due to exposure to high environmental temperatures in conditions in which an organism is unable to maintain adequate homeostasis. This can happen, for example, when the organism is unable to dissipate heat adequately. Heat dissipation occurs through evaporation, conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat disease exhibits a continuum of signs and symptoms ranging from minor to major clinical pictures. Minor clinical pictures include cramps, syncope, edema, tetany, and exhaustion. Major clinical pictures include heatstroke and life-threatening heat stroke and typically are expressed in the presence of an extremely high body temperature. There are also some categories of people at greater risk of developing these diseases, due to exposure in particular geographic areas (e.g., hot humid environments), to unchangeable predisposing conditions (e.g., advanced age, young age (i.e., children), diabetes, skin disease with reduced sweating), to modifiable risk factors (e.g., alcoholism, excessive exercise, infections), to partially modifiable risk factors (obesity), to certain types of professional activity (e.g., athletes, military personnel, and outdoor laborers) or to the effects of drug treatment (e.g., beta-blockers, anticholinergics, diuretics). Heat-related illness is largely preventable.

Application of oXiris-continuous hemofiltration adsorption in patients with sepsis and septic shock: A single-centre experience in China

oXiris is a new, high-adsorption membrane filter in continuous hemofiltration adsorption to reduce the inflammatory response in sepsis. The investigators retrospectively reviewed patients with sepsis/septic shock who underwent at least one oXiris-treatment from November 2020 to March 2022. The demographic data, baseline levels before treatment, clinical datas, prognosis, and the occurrence of adverse events during treatment were recorded. 90 patients were enrolled in this study. The hemodynamic indices, sequential organ failure assessment score, lactate, inflammatory biomarkers levels were significantly improved at 12 h and 24 h after treatment. Procalcitonin and interleukin-6 reduction post-treatment of oXiris were most pronounced in infection from skin and soft tissue, urinary and abdominal cavity. Logistic regression analysis showed that pre-treatment sequential organ failure assessment score (p = 0.034), percentage decrease in sequential organ failure assessment score (p = 0.004), and age (p = 0.011) were independent risk factors for intensive care unit mortality. In conclusion, oXiris-continuous hemofiltration adsorption may improve hemodynamic indicators, reduce the use of vasoactive drugs, reduce lactate level and infection indicators. Of note, oXiris improve organ function in sepsis, which may result to higher survival rate.

Sepsis-induced AKI: From pathogenesis to therapeutic approaches

Sepsis is a heterogenous and highly complex clinical syndrome, which is caused by infectious or noninfectious factors. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common and severe complication of sepsis, and it is associated with high mortality and poor outcomes. Recent evidence has identified that autophagy participates in the pathophysiology of sepsis-associated AKI. Despite the use of antibiotics, the mortality rate is still at an extremely high level in patients with sepsis. Besides traditional treatments, many natural products, including phytochemicals and their derivatives, are proved to exert protective effects through multiple mechanisms, such as regulation of autophagy, inhibition of inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis, etc. Accumulating evidence has also shown that many pharmacological inhibitors might have potential therapeutic effects in sepsis-induced AKI. Hence, understanding the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced AKI may help to develop novel therapeutics to attenuate the complications of sepsis and lower the mortality rate. This review updates the recent progress of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of sepsis-associated AKI, focuses specifically on autophagy, and summarizes the potential therapeutic effects of phytochemicals and pharmacological inhibitors.

The Supporting Role of Combined and Sequential Extracorporeal Blood Purification Therapies in COVID-19 Patients in Intensive Care Unit

Critical clinical forms of COVID-19 infection often include Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in up to 20% of patients, further worsening the outcome of the disease. No specific medical therapies are available for the treatment of COVID-19, while supportive care remains the standard treatment with the control of systemic inflammation playing a pivotal role, avoiding the disease progression and improving organ function. Extracorporeal blood purification (EBP) has been proposed for cytokines removal in sepsis and could be beneficial in COVID-19, preventing the cytokines release syndrome (CRS) and providing Extra-corporeal organ support (ECOS) in critical patients. Different EBP procedures for COVID-19 patients have been proposed including hemoperfusion (HP) on sorbent, continuous kidney replacement therapy (CRRT) with adsorbing capacity, or the use of high cut-off (HCO) membranes. Depending on the local experience, the multidisciplinary capabilities, the hardware, and the available devices, EBP can be combined sequentially or in parallel. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how to perform EBPs, providing practical support to extracorporeal therapies in COVID-19 patients with AKI.

Chasing the Ghost: Hyperinflammation Does Not Cause Sepsis

Sepsis is infection sufficient to cause illness in the infected host, and more severe forms of sepsis can result in organ malfunction or death. Severe forms of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), or disease following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are examples of sepsis. Following infection, sepsis is thought to result from excessive inflammation generated in the infected host, also referred to as a cytokine storm. Sepsis can result in organ malfunction or death. Since COVID-19 is an example of sepsis, the hyperinflammation concept has influenced scientific investigation and treatment approaches to COVID-19. However, decades of laboratory study and more than 100 clinical trials designed to quell inflammation have failed to reduce sepsis mortality. We examine theoretical support underlying widespread belief that hyperinflammation or cytokine storm causes sepsis. Our analysis shows substantial weakness of the hyperinflammation approach to sepsis that includes conceptual confusion and failure to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between hyperinflammation and sepsis. We conclude that anti-inflammation approaches to sepsis therapy have little chance of future success. Therefore, anti-inflammation approaches to treat COVID-19 are likewise at high risk for failure. We find persistence of the cytokine storm concept in sepsis perplexing. Although treatment approaches based on the hyperinflammation concept of pathogenesis have failed, the concept has shown remarkable resilience and appears to be unfalsifiable. An approach to understanding this resilience is to consider the hyperinflammation or cytokine storm concept an example of a scientific paradigm. Thomas Kuhn developed the idea that paradigms generate rules of investigation that both shape and restrict scientific progress. Intrinsic features of scientific paradigms include resistance to falsification in the face of contradictory data and inability of experimentation to generate alternatives to a failing paradigm. We call for rejection of the concept that hyperinflammation or cytokine storm causes sepsis. Using the hyperinflammation or cytokine storm paradigm to guide COVID-19 treatments is likewise unlikely to provide progress. Resources should be redirected to more promising avenues of investigation and treatment.

Trends, Advantages and Disadvantages in Combined Extracorporeal Lung and Kidney Support From a Technical Point of View

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides pulmonary and/or cardiac support for critically ill patients. Due to their diseases, they are at high risk of developing acute kidney injury. In that case, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is applied to provide renal support and fluid management. The ECMO and CRRT circuits can be combined by an integrated or parallel approach. So far, all methods used for combined extracorporeal lung and kidney support present serious drawbacks. This includes not only high risks of circuit related complications such as bleeding, thrombus formation, and hemolysis, but also increase in technical workload and health care costs. In this sense, the development of a novel optimized artificial lung device with integrated renal support could offer important treatment benefits. Therefore, we conducted a review to provide technical background on existing techniques for extracorporeal lung and kidney support and give insight on important aspects to be addressed in the development of this novel highly integrated artificial lung device.

Application of Adsorptive Blood Purification Techniques during Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Cardiac Surgery

By reason of surgical demand, the majority of cardiovascular procedures still depend on the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Due to the nonphysiological state of CPB, it can cause complex and unpredictable inflammatory response, which may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the pharmacological and mechanical strategies that currently exist do not offer significant advantages in controlling inflammatory response and improving patient outcomes. The best strategy to reduce inflammation in CPB is still uncertain. In recent years, adsorptive blood purification techniques (BPTs) have emerged, among which CytoSorb is the latest representative device. Currently, the primary application area of adsorptive BPTs is in the control and treatment of systemic hyperinflammatory states, such as refractory septic shock patients. However, the evidences on efficacy and safety of adsorptive BPTs application during CPB surgery are still inconclusive, so we summarize the relevant evidences here and suggest future potential research areas.

Sepsis Management for the Nephrologist

The definition of sepsis has evolved significantly over the past three decades. Today, sepsis is defined as a dysregulated host immune response to microbial invasion leading to end organ dysfunction. Septic shock is characterized by hypotension requiring vasopressors after adequate fluid resuscitation with elevated lactate. Early recognition and intervention remain hallmarks for sepsis management. We addressed the current literature and assimilated thought regarding optimum initial resuscitation of the patient with sepsis. A nuanced understanding of the physiology of lactate is provided in our review. Physiologic and practical knowledge of steroid and vasopressor therapy for sepsis is crucial and addressed. As blood purification may interest the nephrologist treating sepsis, we have also added a brief discussion of its status.

Cytokine Adsorption in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients, a Case-Control Study

Aim: New coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become an international emergency. As many of the intensive care unit (ICU) patients with the disease also present multiple organ failure, blood purification techniques might be a good choice in their treatment. In this study we aimed to investigate the role of cytokine removal in COVID-19 patients managed in ICUs. Methods: For this case-control study we have investigated the role of the cytokine removal by means of two resin membranes (HA330 and Mediasorb) in COVID-19 patients managed in ICUs. Particularly, we investigated the overtime variation in clinical severity scores, laboratory variables, and effects on hospital and ICU stay and mortality. Results: Seventy-two patients have been evaluated, of which half constituted Cytokine Filtration (CF) Group, and other half the Case-Control (CC) Group. Mortality was 55.6% and 50% in CF and CC groups, respectively. In the CF Group, there was decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels measured at the end of cytokine adsorption; lymphocyte count and ratio were increased, whereas neutrophile ratio was decreased. There were no differences between the groups regarding other laboratory variables, SOFA scores and vasopressor uses. Conclusions: We have demonstrated decrease in CRP, fibrinogen and increase in lymphocyte count in the patients having cytokine adsorption, but there was no clinical reflection of these benefits, and no decrease in mortality as well. Even though there is physio-pathologic rationale to use cytokine adsorption techniques for immunomodulation in critically ill COVID-19 patients, it is early to make strong suggestions about their benefits.

Extrakorporale Behandlungsstrategien der Sepsis

Hintergrund Die Mortalität der Sepsis bleibt auch im 21. Jahrhundert sehr hoch. Verschiedene adjuvante Strategien zur extrakorporalen Zytokinelimination wurden als zusätzliche therapeutische Maßnahmen bei Sepsis und septischem Schock untersucht.

Ziele Zusammenfassung einer Auswahl extrakorporaler Blutreinigungstechniken und der aktuellen Erkenntnisse in der klinischen Anwendung mit besonderem Schwerpunkt auf dem therapeutischen Plasmaaustausch.

Methoden Nicht systematische Literaturrecherche.

Ergebnisse Verschiedene extrakorporale Blutreinigungstechniken mit unterschiedlichen Evidenzniveaus hinsichtlich Zytokinelimination, Verbesserung der Hämodynamik und Verringerung der Mortalität werden derzeit klinisch eingesetzt. Die am ausführlichsten untersuchten Modalitäten umfassen die hochvolumige Hämofiltration/Dialyse mit und ohne High-Cut-off-Filter sowie Hämoadsorptionstechniken (einschließlich CytoSorb- und Polymyxin-B-Filter). Trotz teilweise ermutigender Beobachtungen bezüglich der Entfernung proinflammatorischer Zytokine und verbesserten Hämodynamik zeigten randomisierte Outcome-Studien bislang keinen positiven Einfluss auf das Überleben. Aufgrund der Verwendung von Spenderplasma als Substitutionsflüssigkeit stellt der therapeutische Plasmaaustausch das einzige Verfahren dar, das neben einer reinen Elimination zusätzlich verbrauchte protektive Faktoren ersetzen kann.

Schlussfolgerungen Die Anwendung extrakorporaler Blutreinigungsmethoden kann für Sepsispatienten außerhalb klinischer Studien bisher nicht empfohlen werden, da derzeit keine Beweise für ihre Wirksamkeit vorliegen. Zukünftige Untersuchungen sollten darauf abzielen, das Patientenkollektiv hinsichtlich des klinischen Schweregrads, des Zeitpunkts der Intervention und verschiedener inflammatorischer (Sub-)Phänotypen zu homogenisieren.

Beta-lactam dosing during continuous renal replacement therapy: a survey of practices in french intensive care units

Background

Little information is available on current practice in beta-lactam dosing during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Optimized dosing is essential for improving outcomes, and there is no consensus on the appropriate dose regimens. The objective of the present study was to describe current practice for beta-lactam dosing during CRRT in intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

We conducted a nationwide survey by e-mailing an online questionnaire to physicians working in ICUs in France. The questionnaire included three sections: demographic characteristics, CRRT practices, and beta-lactam dosing regimens during CRRT.

Results

157 intensivists completed the questionnaire. Continuous venovenous hemofiltration was the most frequently used CRRT technique, and citrate was the most regularly used anticoagulant. The median prescribed dose at baseline was 30 mL/kg/h. The majority of prescribers (57%) did not reduce beta-lactam dosing during CRRT. The tools were used to adapt dosing regimens during CRRT included guidelines, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), and data from the literature. When TDM was used, 100% T > 4 time the MIC was the most common mentioned pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target (53%). Pharmacokinetic software tools were rarely used. Prolonged or continuous infusions were widely used during CRRT (88%). Institutional guidelines on beta-lactam dosing during CRRT were rare. 41% of physicians sometimes consulted another specialist before adapting the dose of antibiotic during CRRT.

Conclusions

Our present results highlight the wide range of beta-lactam dosing practices adopted during CRRT. Personalized TDM and the implementation of Bayesian software appear to be essential for optimizing beta-lactam dosing regimens and improving patient outcomes.

The Effects of Hemoadsorption on the Kinetics of Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents

The extracorporeal elimination of a pathogen or damage-associated molecular pattern via blood purification techniques is increasingly being used in patients with septic shock and other clinical conditions characterized by a life-threatening inflammatory response. The removal of these substances can be accomoplished by means of ultrafiltration or hemoadsorption. Independently from the blood putification technique used, they could also affect the clearance of antibacterial and antifungal agents with a potentially significant clinical impact. In our review, we describe the basic principles of ultrafiltration and hemoadsorption, the available devices for this latter and the existing experimental and clinical studies; the final paragraph is dedicated to practical considerations that can help clinicians to consider the clearance of antibiotics and antifungals attributable to these techniques to minimize the risk of a iatrogenic underdosage.

Lesión renal aguda en COVID-19: puesta al día y revisión de la literatura

Los coronavirus humanos son virus que se asocian a varias patologías respiratorias como el síndrome respiratorio agudo severo y el síndrome respiratorio del Medio Oriente. Esto ha puesto a esta familia de virus en el centro de atención de la comunidad científica debido a la alta patogenicidad en humanos, especialmente ahora con la nueva pandemia por la enfermedad por coronavirus del 2019 (COVID-19). La COVID-19 se manifiesta principalmente como enfermedad respiratoria aguda con compromiso respiratorio bajo, pero puede afectar múltiples órganos como lo es el riñón, lo cual a conlleva a peores desenlaces. En este manuscrito revisaremos el compromiso renal por los diferentes coronavirus, en especial en la COVID-19, al igual que las terapias que juegan algún papel en el tratamiento de esta.

Trends in Adaptive Design Methods in Dialysis Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

Rationale & Objective

Adaptive design methods are intended to improve the efficiency of clinical trials and are relevant to evaluating interventions in dialysis populations. We sought to determine the use of adaptive designs in dialysis clinical trials and quantify trends in their use over time.

Study Design

We completed a novel full-text systematic review that used a machine learning classifier (RobotSearch) for filtering randomized controlled trials and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Setting & Study Populations

We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) and ClinicalTrials.gov using sensitive dialysis search terms.

Selection Criteria for Studies

We included all randomized clinical trials with patients receiving dialysis or clinical trials with dialysis as a primary or secondary outcome. There was no restriction of disease type or intervention type.

Data Extraction & Analytical Approach

We performed a detailed data extraction of trial characteristics and a completed a narrative synthesis of the data.

Results

57 studies, available as 68 articles and 7 ClinicalTrials.gov summaries, were included after full-text review (initial search, 209,033 PubMed abstracts and 6,002 ClinicalTrials.gov summaries). 31 studies were conducted in a dialysis population and 26 studies included dialysis as a primary or secondary outcome. Although the absolute number of adaptive design methods is increasing over time, the relative use of adaptive design methods in dialysis trials is decreasing over time (6.12% in 2009 to 0.43% in 2019, with a mean of 1.82%). Group sequential designs were the most common type of adaptive design method used. Adaptive design methods affected the conduct of 50.9% of trials, most commonly resulting in stopping early for futility (41.2%) and early stopping for safety (23.5%). Acute kidney injury was studied in 32 trials (56.1%), kidney failure requiring dialysis was studied in 24 trials (42.1%), and chronic kidney disease was studied in 1 trial (1.75%). 27 studies (47.4%) were supported by public funding. 44 studies (77.2%) did not report their adaptive design method in the title or abstract and would not be detected by a standard systematic review.

Limitations

We limited our search to 2 databases (PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov) due to the scale of studies sourced (209,033 and 6,002 results, respectively).

Conclusions

Adaptive design methods are used in dialysis trials but there has been a decline in their relative use over time.

Current practice and evolving concepts in septic shock resuscitation

Clinical and pathophysiological understanding of septic shock has progressed exponentially in the previous decades, translating into a steady decrease in septic shock-related morbidity and mortality. Even though large randomized, controlled trials have addressed fundamental aspects of septic shock resuscitation, many questions still exist. In this review, we will describe the current standards of septic shock resuscitation, but the emphasis will be placed on evolving concepts in different domains such as clinical resuscitation targets, adequate use of fluids and vasoactive drugs, refractory shock, and the use of extracorporeal therapies. Multiple research opportunities remain open, and collaborative endeavors should be performed to fill in these gaps.

Blood purification in sepsis and systemic inflammation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening diseases with high mortality. Although efforts have made to improve the survivals, the outcomes are still frustrating. Blood purification was thought to be a promising adjunctive therapy to regulate the excessive cytokine storm or to reduce the endotoxin activity caused by sepsis. Critically ill COVID-19 characterized with the similar disease to sepsis may also benefit from blood purification.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent studies mainly focused on hemadsorption materials. The results of the clinical trials showed a tendency in decrease of cytokine levels and endotoxin activity and improvement in haemodynamics. However, the results were controversial. More evidence about blood purification in sepsis and COVID-19 are needed from currently ongoing trials and future well designed trials.

SUMMARY

The blood purification therapy demonstrated the tendency in decrease of cytokines and endotoxin activity in different degree according to the current studies. However, the effect on mortality and haemodynamics is still in controversy. Further well designed, large sample sized studies should focus on the timing of initiating blood purification, the appropriate indications and the optimal type of blood purification membrane or cartridge to provide more evidence for clinical practice.

Signaling pathways and intervention therapies in sepsis

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host systemic inflammatory and immune response to infection. Over decades, advanced understanding of host-microorganism interaction has gradually unmasked the genuine nature of sepsis, guiding toward new definition and novel therapeutic approaches. Diverse clinical manifestations and outcomes among infectious patients have suggested the heterogeneity of immunopathology, while systemic inflammatory responses and deteriorating organ function observed in critically ill patients imply the extensively hyperactivated cascades by the host defense system. From focusing on microorganism pathogenicity, research interests have turned toward the molecular basis of host responses. Though progress has been made regarding recognition and management of clinical sepsis, incidence and mortality rate remain high. Furthermore, clinical trials of therapeutics have failed to obtain promising results. As far as we know, there was no systematic review addressing sepsis-related molecular signaling pathways and intervention therapy in literature. Increasing studies have succeeded to confirm novel functions of involved signaling pathways and comment on efficacy of intervention therapies amid sepsis. However, few of these studies attempt to elucidate the underlining mechanism in progression of sepsis, while other failed to integrate preliminary findings and describe in a broader view. This review focuses on the important signaling pathways, potential molecular mechanism, and pathway-associated therapy in sepsis. Host-derived molecules interacting with activated cells possess pivotal role for sepsis pathogenesis by dynamic regulation of signaling pathways. Cross-talk and functions of these molecules are also discussed in detail. Lastly, potential novel therapeutic strategies precisely targeting on signaling pathways and molecules are mentioned.