CytoSorb Rescue for COVID-19 Patients With Vasoplegic Shock and Multiple Organ Failure: A Prospective, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Effect of a biomimetic pathogen adsorbing device on inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients

INTRODUCTION

The Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity blood filter eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins from blood stream.

METHODS

This is a prospective multicenter observational biomarker trial in PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 patients with acute respiratory failure. Biomarkers were sequentially tested at three time points.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with SARS-CoV-2 detected by PCR with acute respiratory failure were included. When receiving hemoperfusion treatment, 27 (64%) patients were on mechanical ventilation, 41 (98%) patients were treated in the ICU. The 3-month survival was 52%. After one hemoperfusion treatment cycle, D-dimer (p = 0.014), hemoglobin (p = 0.003) and LDH (p = 0.001) concentrations were significantly reduced 4 days after treatment. From the multiplex assay IL-1b, CXCL8/ IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15, CCL11/Eotaxin, G-CSF, and CXCL10/IP-10 were significantly reduced 1 h after treatment, however not 4 days later.

CONCLUSION

Hemoperfusion with Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity Filter in patients with severe COVID-19 can transiently reduce several inflammatory biomarkers in the blood.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange to Reverse Plasma Failure in Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

Plasma plays a crucial role in maintaining health through regulating coagulation and inflammation. Both are essential to respond to homeostatic threats such as traumatic injury or microbial infection; however, left unchecked, they can themselves cause damage. A well-functioning plasma regulatory milieu controls the location, intensity, and duration of the response to injury or infection. In contrast, plasma failure can be conceptualized as a state in which these mechanisms are overwhelmed and unable to constrain coagulation and inflammation appropriately. This dysregulated state causes widespread tissue damage and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Unlike plasma derangements caused by individual factors, plasma failure is characterized by a heterogeneous set of plasma component deficiencies and excesses. Targeted therapies such as factor replacement or recombinant antibodies are thus inadequate to restore plasma function. Therapeutic plasma exchange offers the unique ability to remove harmful factors and replete exhausted components, thereby reestablishing appropriate regulation of coagulation and inflammation.

Extracorporeal Elimination of Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Modulators by the Cytokine Adsorber CytoSorb® in Patients with Hyperinflammation: A Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION

The release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in critically ill patients with sepsis leads to endothelial dysfunction resulting in cardiocirculatory insufficiency. Their extracorporeal elimination using the cytokine adsorber CytoSorb® (CS) (adsorption of especially hydrophobic molecules < 60 kDa) might be promising, but data about the adsorption capacity as well as a potential harmful adsorption of anti-inflammatory cytokines are missing so far.

METHODS

The prospective Cyto-SOLVE-study included 15 patients with sepsis or other hyperinflammatory conditions (interleukin 6 > 500 pg/ml), continuous kidney replacement therapy, and the application of CS. Various cytokines and chemokines were measured pre- and post-CS as well as in patients' blood at predefined timepoints. Significant changes in the concentrations were detected with the Wilcoxon test with associated samples. Clearance of the adsorber (ml/min) was calculated with: b l o o d f l o w ∗ c o n c e n t r a t i o n p r e - p o s t c o n c e n t r a t i o n pre . RESULTS: Most of the inflammatory mediators showed a high initial extracorporeal clearance of 70-100 ml/min after CS installation, which dropped quickly to 10-30 ml/min after 6 h of treatment. No difference in clearance was observed between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Despite extracorporeal adsorption, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the blood concentration after 6 h was only observed for the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α) (median 284 vs. 230 pg/ml), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (median 294 vs. 252 pg/ml), macrophage inflammatory protein 1a (MIP-1a) (median 11.1 vs. 9.0 pg/ml), and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) (median 811 vs. 487 pg/ml) as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 4 (median 9.3 vs. 6.4 pg/ml), interleukin 10 (median 88 vs. 56 pg/ml), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (median 177 vs. 104 pg/ml). A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in patients' blood after 12 h was only detected for interleukin 10.

CONCLUSIONS

CS can adsorb pro- as well as anti-inflammatory mediators with no relevant difference regarding the adsorption rate. A fast saturation of the adsorber resulted in a rapid decrease of the clearance. The potential clinical benefit or harm of this unspecific cytokine adsorption needs to be evaluated in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04913298, registration date June 4, 2021.

Use of extracorporeal hemoperfusion therapy in an adult horse with Clostridioides difficile colitis and severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome

An 8-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding was treated with extracorporeal hemoperfusion (HP) therapy for treatment of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) colitis-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The gelding developed C. difficile associated peracute colitis and severe SIRS as evidenced by a positive fecal C. difficile PCR and tachypnea, tachycardia, fever, neutropenia, altered mucous membrane color, and hyperlactatemia. Concurrent acute kidney injury in the horse limited the use of routine anti-inflammatory and anti-lipopolysaccharide treatments, including flunixin meglumine and polymyxin B, because of potential for nephrosis. Extracorporeal HP therapy was performed twice within 48 hours of the onset of severe SIRS during which the horse's physical examination variables stabilized. The horse was euthanized after 4 days because of laminitis. These findings support further investigation of extracorporeal HP therapy as an adjunctive treatment for severe SIRS/sepsis in horses.

Graft repair during machine perfusion: a current overview of strategies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With changing donor characteristics (advanced age, obesity), an increase in the use of extended criteria donor (ECD) livers in liver transplantation is seen. Machine perfusion allows graft viability assessment, but still many donor livers are considered nontransplantable. Besides being used as graft viability assessment tool, ex situ machine perfusion offers a platform for therapeutic strategies to ameliorate grafts prior to transplantation. This review describes the current landscape of graft repair during machine perfusion.

RECENT FINDINGS

Explored anti-inflammatory therapies, including inflammasome inhibitors, hemoabsorption, and cellular therapies mitigate the inflammatory response and improve hepatic function. Cholangiocyte organoids show promise in repairing the damaged biliary tree. Defatting during normothermic machine perfusion shows a reduction of steatosis and improved hepatobiliary function compared to nontreated livers. Uptake of RNA interference therapies during machine perfusion paves the way for an additional treatment modality.

SUMMARY

The possibility to repair injured donor livers during ex situ machine perfusion might increase the utilization of ECD-livers. Application of defatting agents is currently explored in clinical trials, whereas other therapeutics require further research or optimization before entering clinical research.

Ineffectiveness of hemoadsorption in large animals with abdominal sepsis: a randomized controlled porcine study

OBJECTIVES

The use of hemoadsorption (HA) has become popular in the treatment of vasoplegic states associated with massive cytokine release, including septic shock. However, this approach does not seem to be based on robust evidence, and it does not follow international guidelines. To understand the pathophysiological rationale and timing of HA, we conducted a large animal septic shock experiment.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized large-animal peritoneal septic shock experiment.

SETTING

Laboratory investigation.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-six anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and instrumented pigs randomly assigned into (1) sham-operated group with HA (SHAM, n = 5); (2) sepsis animals without HA (SEPSIS, n = 5); (3) sepsis group with HA at norepinephrine initiation (EARLY, n = 8); and (4) sepsis group with HA initiated at norepinephrine rate reaching 0.5 μg/kg/min (LATE, n = 8).

INTERVENTIONS

Peritoneal sepsis was induced by cultivated autologous feces inoculation. A CytoSorb cartridge (200 g) with a blood flow rate of 200 mL/min and heparin anticoagulation was used to perform HA. The animals received sedation and intensive organ support up to 48 h or until they experienced cardiovascular collapse.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Systemic hemodynamics, multiple-organ functions, and immune-inflammatory response were measured at predefined periods. The HA treatment was not associated with any measurable benefit in terms of systemic hemodynamics and organ support. The systemic inflammatory markers were unaffected by any of the treatment timings. In contrast, the HA resulted in higher vasopressor load and decreased 36-h survival (5 animals in SHAM (100%), 4 (80%) in SEPSIS, 4 (57%) in EARLY, and 2 (25%) in LATE; p = 0.041). The HA exposure in healthy animals was associated with hemodynamic deterioration, systemic inflammatory response, and cytopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large-animal-controlled fulminant sepsis study, the HA was unable to counteract the disease progression in the early or advanced septic shock phase. However, findings from the HA-exposed sham animals suggest potential safety concerns.

A potential approach toward the management of sepsis: The extracorporeal cytokine hemadsorption therapy

Infectious diseases are among the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients while systemic inflammatory response syndrome is primarily attributed to the imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Despite the improvements in the antibiotherapy alternatives and diagnostic modalities, the morbidity and mortality rates of sepsis and septic shock are relatively high among patients admitted to the intensive care units. Extracorporeal cytokine hemadsorption therapies are therapeutic approaches for such patient group with promising early results that especially have grown during COVID-19 pandemic. In this narrative review, our aim is to evaluate the current pre-clinical and clinical knowledge regarding the use of cytokine filtration systems among patients with septic shock.

Use of Therapeutic Apheresis methods in ICU

Apheresis is a modern medical approach in which plasma or cellular components are separated from the whole blood. Apheresis can be either diagnostic or therapeutic. Diagnostic apheresis is typically applied in hematology and cancer research. Therapeutic Apheresis (TA) includes a broad spectrum of extracorporeal treatments applied in various medical specialties, including Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Considering the complexity of the pathophysiologic characteristics of various clinical entities and in particular sepsis, apheresis methods are becoming increasingly applicable. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is the most common used method in ICU. It is considered as first line therapy for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) and Guillain Barre Syndrome, while the current data for sepsis are scarce. Over the last decades, technologic evolution has led to increasing application of new and more selective methods based on adsorptive techniques. In this review we will describe the current data of characteristics of different techniques, safety and clinical impact of apheresis methods used in ICUs.

The Effect of CytoSorb on Inflammatory Markers in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of CytoSorb at removing inflammatory mediators in critically ill patients is controversial.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials reporting the effects of CytoSorb therapy on inflammatory parameters in critically ill patients with hyperinflammatory conditions were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors screened articles for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias, conflicts of interest, and certainty of evidence (CoE). The primary outcome was interleukin (IL)-6 at 1 day after initiation of the therapy. Secondary outcomes included various inflammatory markers at 1, 2, 3, and 5 days and mortality. Data were pooled if at least three trials reported the outcome of interest. We conducted meta-analyses of the data using a random-effects model.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Seventeen trials ( n = 855) were included. Fourteen trials were judged to have notable concern about conflicts of interest. Seven trials were performed in medical ICU patients with hyperinflammatory conditions and 10 in complex cardiovascular surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. Hemoadsorption with CytoSorb was not associated with lower IL-6 at 1 day (mean difference -5.98 [95% CI, -30.44 to 18.48] pg/mL), 2 days, 3 days, or 5 days after initiation of the treatment, as well as the concentration of procalcitionin. The levels of C-reactive protein were not lower with CytoSorb at 1, 2, and 3 days. The use of CytoSorb was associated with higher mortality at latest follow-up (relative risk = 1.22 [95% CI, 1.02-1.45]) and at 30 days. CoE ranged from low to very low.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CytoSorb hemoadsorption in a mixed population of critically ill patients with hyperinflammatory conditions does not exhibit a consistent decrease in IL-6 and other inflammatory parameters within the first 5 days of treatment. The significant uncertainty surrounding these findings highlights the need for further investigations.

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.

[Hemoperfusion in anesthesia and intensive care medicine: benefits, risks, and evidence for different systems]

BACKGROUND

Hemoperfusion is a technique for the extracorporeal elimination of endogenous and exogenous toxins and harmful mediators by adsorption. It can be used as a stand-alone device, as part of a heart-lung machine or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or, as is currently the case, integrated into a kidney replacement procedure. In the meantime, various suppliers offer devices with different technologies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to evaluate the benefits, risks and evidence of the different systems, how they work and for which indications they are approved in Germany.

METHOD

To achieve this goal, a narrative assessment of the existing literature and guidelines for different indications was performed. The focus was on in vivo studies.

RESULTS

In principle, a distinction must be made in adsorption techniques between pure adsorption and the combination as adsorption and kidney replacement therapy. The adsorbers available in Germany include Cytosorb®, HA-330, Seraph®-100 and Toraymyxin. Combined procedures (adsorption and kidney replacement) are offered with coupled plasma filtration and adsorption (CPFA) and oXiris®. Most adsorbers have been developed for cytokine and endotoxin removal in patients with sepsis; however, to date, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has demonstrated a survival benefit when using hemoperfusion. Therefore, the S3 guidelines for treatment of sepsis and the surviving sepsis campaign guidelines advise against its routine use. When the corona pandemic began, hemoperfusion was considered as a promising therapeutic approach. Cytosorb®, Seraph®-100, and oXiris® received emergency approval by the FDA to be used in critically ill patients with COVID-19, so questions arose about the appropriateness and importance of its use; however, the data generated did not show positive results, so its use cannot be recommended routinely either. In addition, they are not mentioned as a treatment option in the current guidelines. The use of adsorption procedures in patients with liver failure and rhabdomyolysis has only been rudimentarily studied, so any evidence is currently lacking. The only adsorber that has CE approval in Germany for both applications is Cytosorb®. In the next few years, studies will have to follow that investigate the efficacy and thus either justify or refute the use in clinical routine. Hemoperfusion procedures are used in the heart-lung machine as part of cardiac surgery for either cytokine or anticoagulant adsorption. No congruent data are available to support the use for the elimination of cytokines. If emergency cardiac surgery is required in a patient with pre-existing anticoagulation, hemoperfusion procedures can be used to prevent bleeding complications. Cytosorb® has CE approval for this indication. All available techniques are nonselective adsorption processes, so that adsorption of known and unknown substances can occur. Unintentional adsorption of drugs, such as various anti-infective agents is a relevant risk, especially when used in patients with sepsis.

DISCUSSION

Various adsorption systems can eliminate different known and unknown substances. Currently, there is a lack of evidence for all indications and systems to justify their routine use except in clinical trials. Future clinical trials should evaluate the potential benefits but also dangers, so that in the meantime the routine use can be justified or a recommendation against the use can be given.

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.

EFFICACY OF SUPPLEMENTAL HEMOADSORPTION THERAPY ON SEVERE AND CRITICAL PATIENTS WITH COVID-19: AN EVIDENCE-BASED ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a disproportionately high threat to the global health system and social stability. COVID-19 damage can lead to hyperinflammation and tissue damage due to a "cytokine storm," which in turn contributes to an increase in the mortality rate. Extracorporeal hemoadsorption therapy (HAT) in patients with severe COVID-19 may improve organ function and stabilize hemodynamic status; however, the effects of supplemental HAT remain controversial. Methods: The Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases were comprehensively searched from inception to August 20, 2022, for potential studies. Results: A total of 648 patients with severe COVID-19 in three randomized controlled trials and 11 observational studies met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis indicated that supplemental HAT significantly improved the mortality rate of patients with severe COVID-19 compared with conventional therapy (relative risk [RR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56 to 0.96, P = 0.026). In subgroup analyses, supplemental HAT significantly decreased mortality rates in patients without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support (RR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.44-0.79, P < 0.0001), while a significant difference was not observed in patients requiring ECMO support (RR = 1.61, 95% CI = 0.63-4.09, P = 0.316). Standardized mean difference (SMD) meta-analysis showed that IL-6 removal was more significant in HAT group than conventional therapy group (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.91, P = 0.043), followed by C-reactive protein (SMD = 0.70, 95% CI = -0.04 to 1.44, P = 0.065) and IL-8 (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI = -0.34 to 1.07, P = 0.311). No evidence of substantial publication bias concerning mortality was observed. Conclusion: Given the better mortality outcomes, HAT confers clinical benefits to patients with severe COVID-19, which correlated with cytokine removal by HAT. Cytokine adsorption may not provide clinical benefits for patients with severe COVID-19 requiring ECMO and should be used with caution. However, because of the very low quality of evidence, multicenter randomized trials with large sample sizes are required to verify these findings.

A matched case-control study on the effectiveness of extracorporeal cytokine adsorption in critically ill patients

Extracorporeal cytokine adsorption aims to reduce cytokine levels in critically ill patients. However, little convincing data exist to support its widespread use. This retrospective study compared interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients treated with or without cytokine adsorber (CytoSorb®). Intensive care patients between Jan 2017 and Dec 2021 who had at least two IL-6 measurements were included. They were divided into an adsorber group and a standard of care group. We screened 3865 patients and included 52 patients in the adsorber group and 94 patients in the standard of care group. Matching was performed and the groups were compared regarding IL-6, lactate, CRP, procalcitonin, vasopressor requirement, and mortality rate. After matching, there were 21 patients in each group. Patients had similar age, ECMO and renal replacement therapy use, baseline noradrenaline requirement, serum lactate, pH, CRP, and IL-6 levels. There were no significant differences in the time course of IL-6, lactate, CRP, procalcitonin and noradrenaline requirement between groups. Two-day and ICU mortality and Kaplan-Meier estimated survival were also comparable. In this matched case-control study no difference in IL-6, inflammatory parameters, noradrenaline requirement or mortality was observed between patients treated with adsorber or standard of care.

Efficacy of CytoSorb®: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cytokine adsorption using the CytoSorb® adsorber has been proposed in various clinical settings including sepsis, ARDS, hyperinflammatory syndromes, cardiac surgery or recovery after cardiac arrest. The aim of this analysis is to provide evidence for the efficacy of the CytoSorb® adsorber with regard to mortality in various settings.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library database and the database provided by Cytosorbents™ (01.1.2010-29.5.2022). We considered randomized controlled trials and observational studies with control groups. The longest reported mortality was defined as the primary endpoint. We computed risk ratios and 95%-confidence intervals and used DerSimonian and Lairds random effects model. We analysed all studies combined and divided them into the subgroups: sepsis, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (CPB), other severe illness, SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery from cardiac arrest. The meta-analysis was registered in advance (PROSPERO: CRD42022290334).

RESULTS

Of an initial 1295 publications, 34 studies were found eligible, including 1297 patients treated with CytoSorb® and 1314 controls. Cytosorb® intervention did not lower mortality (RR [95%-CI]: all studies 1.07 [0.88; 1.31], sepsis 0.98 [0.74; 1.31], CPB surgery 0.91 [0.64; 1.29], severe illness 0.95 [0.59; 1.55], SARS-CoV-2 1.58 [0.50; 4.94]). In patients with cardiac arrest, we found a significant survival advantage of the untreated controls (1.22 [1.02; 1.46]). We did not find significant differences in ICU length of stay, lactate levels, or IL-6 levels after treatment. Of the eligible 34 studies only 12 were randomized controlled trials. All observational studies showed moderate to serious risk of bias.

INTERPRETATION

To date, there is no evidence for a positive effect of the CytoSorb® adsorber on mortality across a variety of diagnoses that justifies its widespread use in intensive care medicine.

[Hemoperfusion and plasmapheresis in the intensive care unit]

In addition to kidney replacement procedures, several other extracorporeal procedures are employed in the intensive care unit. Hemoperfusion with activated charcoal was the predominant treatment used for removal of toxins from the 1970s until the millennium. Nowadays, this treatment does no longer play a clinically meaningful role as even strongly protein-bound toxins can be removed by effective dialysis procedures in case poisoning. The concept of a cytokine adsorber was introduced 10 years ago, which is directed towards withstanding the cytokine storm. Despite negative data from prospective randomized controlled studies, its use is steadily increasing in Germany. A totally different treatment concept is the biomimetic pathogen adsorber, which removes bacteria, viruses and fungi from the bloodstream by binding to immobilized heparin. Whether this rapid reduction of the pathogen load translates into an improvement of clinically relevant endpoints is unclear, as prospective randomized controlled studies are lacking. For the early hours of septic shock a very old procedure, plasmapheresis, has recently regained interest. The results of two large randomized controlled studies in this setting from Europe and Canada will become available in 2025/2026. The rationale to use plasma exchange in early sepsis is that this procedure not only removes cytokines but also replenishes reduced levels of protective factors, such as angiopoietin‑1, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS-13) and protein C, if fresh plasma is used as exchange fluid. All afore mentioned procedures do not only have a different mode of action but are also used at seperate time points of bloodstream infections and/or sepsis.

Survival of Patients Treated With Extracorporeal Hemoadsorption and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Results From a Nation-Wide Registry

Extracorporeal hemoadsorption with the CytoSorb adsorber is increasingly being used during the past years. The use in combination with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is feasible, but frequency of its use and outcomes have not been assessed in larger cohorts. We analyzed all patients treated with veno-venous (VV) ECMO either with or without CytoSorb in Germany from 2017 to 2019. Data were retrieved from a nationwide claim dataset collected by the Research Data Center of the Federal Bureau of Statistics. During this three-year episode, 7,699 patients were treated with VV ECMO. Among these, the number of CytoSorb-treated patients constantly increased from 156 (6.6%) in 2017 to 299 (11.8%) in 2019. In this large cohort hemoadsorption with the CytoSorb adsorber was associated with higher mortality and increased treatment costs. Due to limited information in the dataset about the severity of disease comparison of outcomes of patients treated with and without CytoSorb has to be interpreted with caution. Further studies have to examine if this finding is due to a negative effect of hemoadsorption with the CytoSorb device or is rather to be attributed to disease severity.

Targeting circulating high mobility group box-1 and histones by extracorporeal blood purification as an immunomodulation strategy against critical illnesses

Both high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and histones are major damage-associated molecular patterns (DAPMs) that mediate lethal systemic inflammation, activation of the complement and coagulation system, endothelial injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in critical illnesses. Although accumulating evidence collectively shows that targeting HMGB1 or histones by their specific antibodies or inhibitors could significantly mitigate aberrant immune responses in multiple critically ill animal models, routine clinical use of such agents is still not recommended by any guideline. In contrast, extracorporeal blood purification, which has been widely used to replace dysfunctional organs and remove exogenous or endogenous toxins in intensive care units, may also exert an immunomodulatory effect by eliminating inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, endotoxin, HMGB1 and histones in patients with critical illnesses. In this review, we summarize the multiple immunopathological roles of HMGB1 and histones in mediating inflammation, immune thrombosis and organ dysfunction and discuss the rationale for the removal of these DAMPs using various hemofilters. The latest preclinical and clinical evidence for the use of extracorporeal blood purification to improve the clinical outcome of critically ill patients by targeting circulating HMGB1 and histones is also gathered.

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury: consensus report of the 28th Acute Disease Quality Initiative workgroup

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is common in critically ill patients and is strongly associated with adverse outcomes, including an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular events and death. The pathophysiology of SA-AKI remains elusive, although microcirculatory dysfunction, cellular metabolic reprogramming and dysregulated inflammatory responses have been implicated in preclinical studies. SA-AKI is best defined as the occurrence of AKI within 7 days of sepsis onset (diagnosed according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome criteria and Sepsis 3 criteria, respectively). Improving outcomes in SA-AKI is challenging, as patients can present with either clinical or subclinical AKI. Early identification of patients at risk of AKI, or at risk of progressing to severe and/or persistent AKI, is crucial to the timely initiation of adequate supportive measures, including limiting further insults to the kidney. Accordingly, the discovery of biomarkers associated with AKI that can aid in early diagnosis is an area of intensive investigation. Additionally, high-quality evidence on best-practice care of patients with AKI, sepsis and SA-AKI has continued to accrue. Although specific therapeutic options are limited, several clinical trials have evaluated the use of care bundles and extracorporeal techniques as potential therapeutic approaches. Here we provide graded recommendations for managing SA-AKI and highlight priorities for future research.

Rationale for sequential extracorporeal therapy (SET) in sepsis

Sepsis and septic shock remain drivers for morbidity and mortality in critical illness. The clinical picture of patients presenting with these syndromes evolves rapidly and may be characterised by: (a) microbial host invasion, (b) establishment of an infection focus, (c) opsonisation of bacterial products (e.g. lipopolysaccharide), (d) recognition of pathogens resulting in an immune response, (e) cellular and humoral effects of circulating pathogen and pathogen products, (f) immunodysregulation and endocrine effects of cytokines, (g) endothelial and organ damage, and (h) organ crosstalk and multiple organ dysfunction. Each step may be a potential target for a specific therapeutic approach. At various stages, extracorporeal therapies may target circulating molecules for removal. In sequence, we could consider: (a) pathogen removal from the circulation with affinity binders and cartridges (specific), (b) circulating endotoxin removal by haemoperfusion with polymyxin B adsorbers (specific), (c) cytokine removal by haemoperfusion with sorbent cartridges or adsorbing membranes (non-specific), (d) extracorporeal organ support with different techniques for respiratory and cardiac support (CO₂ removal or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), and renal support (haemofiltration, haemodialysis, or ultrafiltration). The sequence of events and the use of different techniques at different points for specific targets will likely require trials with endpoints other than mortality. Instead, the primary objectives should be to achieve the desired action by using extracorporeal therapy at a specific point.

Surgical Science and the Evolution of Critical Care Medicine

Surgical science has driven innovation and inquiry across adult and pediatric disciplines that provide critical care regardless of location. Surgically originated but broadly applicable knowledge has been globally shared within the pages Critical Care Medicine over the last 50 years.

Cytokine Storm Syndrome

Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS), which is frequently fatal, has garnered increased attention with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A variety of hyperinflammatory conditions associated with multiorgan system failure can be lumped under the CSS umbrella, including familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and secondary HLH associated with infections, hematologic malignancies, and autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders, in which case CSS is termed macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Various classification and diagnostic CSS criteria exist and include clinical, laboratory, pathologic, and genetic features. Familial HLH results from cytolytic homozygous genetic defects in the perforin pathway employed by cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. Similarly, NK cell dysfunction is often present in secondary HLH and MAS, and heterozygous mutations in familial HLH genes are frequently present. Targeting overly active lymphocytes and macrophages with etoposide and glucocorticoids is the standard for treating HLH; however, more targeted and safer anticytokine (e.g., anti-interleukin-1, -6) approaches are gaining traction as effective alternatives.

Cytokine absorption in critically ill old COVID-19 patients with renal failure: A retrospective analysis of 503 intensive care unit patients

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is associated with cytokine release in critical disease states. Thus, cytokine absorption has been proposed as a therapeutic option. This study investigated the influence of cytokine absorption on mortality in old critical patients with COVID-19 and renal failure admitted to intensive care units (ICU).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis of a prospective international observation study (the COVIP study) analysed ICU patients≥70 years with COVID-19. Data on Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, clinical frailty scale (CFS), ICU therapy details including renal replacement therapy (RRT) with/without cytokine absorption were collected. The cytokine absorption group was compared to patients receiving RRT without cytokine absorptionRESULTS:Among 3927 patients, 503 received RRT; among them 47 patients were treated with cytokine absorption. Mortality rates were high in both groups with increased rates in the cytokine group for ICU mortality and 30-day mortality, but not for 3-month mortality. Logistic regression analysis indicated that SOFA-score, but not cytokine absorption was associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Critical COVID-19 patients with renal failure treated with cytokine absorption showed higher short term mortality rates when compared to patients with renal replacement therapy alone. Mortality is associated with disease severity, but not cytokine absorption in a multivariate analysis.

Effect of extracorporeal hemoadsorption in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A narrative review

COVID-19 has been affecting the world unprecedentedly and will remain widely prevalent due to its elusive pathophysiological mechanism and the continuous emergence of new variants. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 are commonly associated with cytokine storm, multiple organ dysfunction, and high mortality. To date, growing evidence has shown that extracorporeal hemoadsorption can exert its adjuvant effect to standard of care by regulating immune homeostasis, reducing viremia, and decreasing endotoxin activity in critically ill COVID-19 cases. However, the selection of various hemofilters, timing of initiation and termination of hemoadsorption therapy, anticoagulation management of extracorporeal circuits, identification of target subgroups, and ultimate survival benefit remain controversial. The purpose of this narrative review is to comprehensively summarize the rationale for the use of hemoadsorption in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and to gather the latest clinical evidence in this field.

Hämoperfusion und Plasmapherese auf der Intensivstation

Neben Nierenersatzverfahren werden auf der Intensivstation mehrere andere extrakorporale Verfahren eingesetzt. In den 1970er- bis 2000er-Jahren stand die Hämoperfusion mit Aktivkohlekapseln zur Entfernung von Toxinen im Vordergrund. Dies ist mittlerweile aufgrund der effektiven Dialyseverfahren, die im Vergiftungsfall auch stark proteingebundene Toxine entfernen, fast bedeutungslos geworden. Vor 10 Jahren erlebte ein Zytokinadsorber die Markteinführung, der darauf gerichtet ist, den „Zytokinsturm“ zu überstehen. Dieser erfreut sich trotz ernüchternder Daten aus prospektiven, randomisierten, kontrollierten Studien wachsender Beliebtheit. Ein gänzlich anderes Therapiekonzept ist der biomimetische Pathogenadsorber, der Bakterien, Viren und Pilze durch Bindung an immobilisiertes Heparin aus dem Blutstrom entfernt. Ob sich diese schnelle Reduktion der Pathogenlast in eine Verbesserung klinisch relevanter Endpunkte übersetzt, ist unklar, da hier prospektive, randomisierte und kontrollierte Studien gänzlich fehlen. Für ein sehr altes Verfahren, nämlich die Plasmapherese, werden wir für die Frühphase der Sepsis bis zum Jahr 2025/2026 Ergebnisse aus 2 großen randomisierten, kontrollierten Studien aus Europa und Kanada erhalten. Neben der Entfernung von Zytokinen erhofft man sich durch die Verwendung von Frischplasma als Austauschflüssigkeit auch das Wiederauffüllen reduzierter protektiver Faktoren wie Angiopoietin 1, ADAMTS13 („a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13“) und Protein C. Alle genannten Verfahren funktionieren nicht nur unterschiedlich, sondern werden auch zu unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten der Blutstrominfektion/Sepsis eingesetzt.

Apheresis and COVID-19 in intensive care unit (ICU)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease has since spread worldwide, and on March 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as pandemic, causing a public health crisis. Symptoms of COVID-19 are variable, ranging from mild symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue to severe illness. Elderly patients and those with comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop severe forms of the disease. Asymptomatic infections have been well documented. Accumulating evidence suggests that the severity of COVID-19 is due to high levels of circulating inflammatory mediators including cytokines and chemokines leading to cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). Patients are admitted in ICU with severe respiratory failure, but can also develop acute renal failure and multi organ failure. Advances in science and technology have permitted the development of more sophisticated therapies such as extracorporeal organ support (ECOS) therapies that includes renal replacement therapies (RRTs), venoarterial (VA) or veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R), liver support systems, hemoperfusion, and various blood purification devices, for the treatment of ARDS and septic shock.

Adverse outcomes with extracorporeal adsorbent blood treatments in toxic systemic inflammation: a perspective on possible mechanisms

Background

Extracorporeal blood purification (EBP) treatments may be used in patients with sepsis and related conditions to mitigate toxic systemic inflammation, prevent or reverse vital organ injury, and improve outcome. These treatments lack demonstrable efficacy, but are generally considered safe. However, since late 2020, four clinical studies of EBP treatment using adsorbent devices in inflammatory disease reported significantly increased patient mortality associated with the adsorbent treatments. Criticisms of study design and execution were published, but revealed no decisive flaws. None of these critiques considered possible toxic effects of the adsorbent treatments per se.

Perspective and conclusion

In adsorbent EBP treatment of systemic inflammatory disease the adsorbent media are deployed in patient blood or plasma flow for the purpose of broad spectrum, non-specific adsorptive removal of inflammatory mediators. Adsorption and sequestration of inflammatory mediators by adsorbent media is intended to reduce mediator concentrations in circulating blood and neutralize their activity. However, in the past two decades developments in both biomedical engineering and the science of cytokine molecular dynamics suggest that immobilization of inflammatory proteins on solid scaffolds or molecular carriers may stabilize protein structure and preserve or amplify protein function. It is unknown if these mechanisms are operative in EBP adsorbent treatments. If these mechanisms are operative, then the adsorbent medium could become reactive, promoting inflammatory activity which could result in negative outcomes. Considering the recent reports of harm with adsorbent treatments in diverse inflammatory conditions, caution urges investigation of these potentially harmful mechanisms in these devices. Candidate mechanisms for possible inquiry are discussed.

Use of CytoSorb© Hemoadsorption in Patients on Veno-Venous ECMO Support for Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Adjunct hemoadsorption is increasingly utilized to target underlying hyperinflammation derived from ARDS. This article aims to review available data on the use of CytoSorb© therapy in combination with V-V ECMO in severe ARDS, and to assess the effects on inflammatory, laboratory and clinical parameters, as well as on patient outcomes. A systematic literature review was conducted and reported in compliance with principles derived from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. When applicable, a before-and-after analysis for relevant biomarkers and clinical parameters was carried out. CytoSorb© use was associated with significant reductions in circulating levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (p = 0.039 and p = 0.049, respectively). Increases in PaO2/FiO2 reached significance as well (p = 0.028), while norepinephrine dosage reductions showed a non-significant trend (p = 0.067). Mortality rates in CytoSorb© patients tended to be lower than those of control groups of most included studies, which, however, were characterized by high heterogeneity and low power. In an exploratory analysis on 90-day mortality in COVID-19 patients supported with V-V ECMO, the therapy was associated with a significantly reduced risk of death. Based on the reviewed data, CytoSorb© therapy is able to reduce inflammation and potentially improves survival in ARDS patients treated with V-V ECMO. Early initiation of CytoSorb© in conjunction with ECMO might offer a new approach to enhance lung rest and promote recovery in patients with severe ARDS.

Hemoperfusion in the intensive care unit

Multiple organ failure following a septic event derives from immune dysregulation. Many of the mediators of this process are humoral factors (cytokines), which could theoretically be cleared by direct adsorption through a process called hemoperfusion. Hemoperfusion through devices, which bind specific molecules like endotoxin or theoretically provide non-specific adsorption of pro-inflammatory mediators has been attempted and studied for several decades with variable results. More recently, technological evolution has led to the increasing application of adsorption due to more biocompatible and possibly more efficient biomaterials. As a result, new indications are developing in this field, and novel tools are available for clinical use. This narrative review will describe current knowledge regarding technical concepts, safety, and clinical results of hemoperfusion. Finally, it will focus on the most recent literature regarding adsorption applied in critically ill patients and their indications, including recent randomized controlled trials and future areas of investigation. Clinical trials for the assessment of efficacy of hemoperfusion in septic patients should apply the explanatory approach. This includes a highly selected homogenous patient population. Enrichment criteria such as applying genetic signature and molecular biomarkers allows the identification of subphenotypes of patients. The intervention must be delivered by a multidisciplinary team of trained personnel. The aim is to maximize the signals for efficacy and safety. In a homogenous cohort, confounding uncontrolled variables are less likely to exist. Trials with highly selected populations have a high internal validity but poor generalizability. The parallel design described in the figure is robust and usually is required by regulatory agencies for the approval of a new treatment. Allocation concealment and randomization are key to minimize bias such as confirmation bias, observer bias. The intervention should be delivered following a strict protocol. Deviations from the protocol might negatively influence the potential effects of the therapies. Surrogates such as cytokine measurement are adequate primary outcomes in phase 3 trials with small sample size because there is a higher likelihood of finding positive results concerning surrogate markers than in respect with clinical outcomes. Once a trial shows positive results concerning surrogate markers, a rationale for another phase 3 trial exploring clinical outcomes is built, justifying the allocation of financial sources to the intended trial.

Mortality and adverse events of hemoadsorption with CytoSorb® in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The effects and safety of extracorporeal hemoadsorption with CytoSorb® in critically ill patients with inflammatory conditions are controversial.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) of randomized-controlled trials to assess the mortality and safety of CytoSorb® therapy in critically ill patients with inflammatory conditions. Electronic databases were searched up to April 2022. The primary outcome was mortality at longest follow-up and secondary outcomes included various adverse event (AE) outcomes. Conflict of interest and funding of each trial were assessed. We calculated relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Fourteen published (n = 764) and 4 unpublished (n = 111) trials were included. Eight trials were performed in medical ICU patients and 10 in complex cardiac surgery. Ten trials had significant industrial funding or an author conflict of interest. Hemoadsorption with CytoSorb® was associated with higher mortality at latest follow-up (16 trials, n = 807, 120 of 402 [29.85%] patients in the CytoSorb® group vs. 98 of 405 [24.20%] patients in the control group, RR = 1.24 [95% CI, 1.04-1.49], p = .02, [TSA-adjusted CI, 0.92-1.68]) and at 30-days or in-hospital (11 trials, n = 727; RR = 1.41 [95% CI, 1.06-1.88], p = .02, [TSA-adjusted CI, 0.44-4.62]). Only one trial reported the definition of adverse event, while detailed results were reported in 3 trials; the risk of adverse events was not higher with CytoSorb®. Certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low.

CONCLUSION

Low certainty of evidence showed that the use of CytoSorb® might increase mortality in critically ill patients with inflammatory conditions. Adverse events were frequent but underreported and not systematically evaluated. Industrial funding and conflict of interest were common. Considerable uncertainty about the findings does not allow firm conclusions and suggests a need for high-quality randomized trials to clarify mortality and adverse events related to CytoSorb®.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Hemoadsorption with CytoSorb® have been used in critically ill patients despite lack of high quality data from RCTs suggesting any patient-important benefits. The findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis suggests an increased risk of adverse events including mortality. With no apparent benefits and at the same time risk of harm, use of hemoadsorption with CytoSorb® in daily clinical practice cannot be recommended at this time.

Immunomodulation by Hemoadsorption—Changes in Hepatic Biotransformation Capacity in Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Prospective Study

Background: Sepsis is often associated with liver dysfunction, which is an indicator of poor outcomes. Specific diagnostic tools that detect hepatic dysfunction in its early stages are scarce. So far, the immune modulatory effects of hemoadsorption with CytoSorb^® on liver function are unclear. Method: We assessed the hepatic function by using the dynamic LiMAx^® test and biochemical parameters in 21 patients with sepsis or septic shock receiving CytoSorb^® in a prospective, observational study. Points of measurement: T₁: diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock; T₂ and T₃: 24 h and 48 h after the start of CytoSorb^®; T₄: 24 h after termination of CytoSorb^®. Results: The hepatic biotransformation capacity measured by LiMAx^® was severely impaired in up to 95 % of patients. Despite a rapid shock reversal under CytoSorb^®, a significant improvement in LiMAx^® values appeared from T₃ to T₄. This decline and recovery of liver function were not reflected by common parameters of hepatic metabolism that remained mostly within the normal range. Conclusions: Hepatic dysfunction can effectively and safely be diagnosed with LiMAx^® in ventilated ICU patients under CytoSorb^®. Various static liver parameters are of limited use since they do not adequately reflect hepatic dysfunction and impaired hepatic metabolism.

COVID-19-Related ARDS: Key Mechanistic Features and Treatments

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a heterogeneous syndrome historically characterized by the presence of severe hypoxemia, high-permeability pulmonary edema manifesting as diffuse alveolar infiltrate on chest radiograph, and reduced compliance of the integrated respiratory system as a result of widespread compressive atelectasis and fluid-filled alveoli. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)-associated ARDS (C-ARDS) is a novel etiology caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that may present with distinct clinical features as a result of the viral pathobiology unique to SARS-CoV-2. In particular, severe injury to the pulmonary vascular endothelium, accompanied by the presence of diffuse microthrombi in the pulmonary microcirculation, can lead to a clinical presentation in which the severity of impaired gas exchange becomes uncoupled from lung capacity and respiratory mechanics. The purpose of this review is to highlight the key mechanistic features of C-ARDS and to discuss the implications these features have on its treatment. In some patients with C-ARDS, rigid adherence to guidelines derived from clinical trials in the pre-COVID era may not be appropriate.

Hemoperfusion: technical aspects and state of the art

Background

Blood purification through the removal of plasma solutes by adsorption to beads of charcoal or resins contained in a cartridge (hemoperfusion) has a long and imperfect history. Developments in production and coating technology, however, have recently increased the biocompatibility of sorbents and have spurred renewed interest in hemoperfusion.

Methods

We performed a narrative assessment of the literature with focus on the technology, characteristics, and principles of hemoperfusion. We assessed publications in ex vivo, animal, and human studies. We synthesized such literature in a technical and state-of-the-art summary.

Results

Early hemoperfusion studies were hampered by bioincompatibility. Recent technology, however, has improved its safety. Hemoperfusion has been used with positive effects in chronic dialysis and chronic liver disease. It has also demonstrated extraction of a variety of toxins and drugs during episodes of overdose. Trials with endotoxin binding polymyxin B have shown mixed results in septic shock and are under active investigation. The role of non-selective hemoperfusion in sepsis or inflammation remains. Although new technologies have made sorbents more biocompatible, the research agenda in the field remains vast.

Conclusion

New sorbents markedly differ from those used in the past because of greater biocompatibility and safety. Initial studies of novel sorbent-based hemoperfusion show some promise in specific chronic conditions and some acute states. Systematic studies of novel sorbent-based hemoperfusion are now both necessary and justified.

Application of Extracorporeal Apheresis in Treatment of COVID-19: a Rapid Review

Spread of a novel coronavirus infection in 2019 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a real threat to public health all around the world. The new pandemic required the mobilization of all resources for effective treatment of COVID-19 patients. Extracorporeal apheresis methods were suggested as an addition to the therapy of severe COVID-19 patients, especially when there is a threat of cytokine storm. Cytokine storm has a complex and not fully understood mechanism, and it can result in the multiple organ failure syndrome, associated with high mortality. The main cytokines that play the key role in the cytokine storm are IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha. Removal of the target pro-inflammatory cytokines from the bloodstream can be beneficial in reducing the risk of complications as well as the mortality rate. We describe and compare different methods of extracorporeal apheresis: hemoadsorption, selective plasma filtration, and plasma exchange therapy in the context of their potential use in COVID-19 treatment.