Hemoadsorption treatment with CytoSorb® in patients with extracorporeal life support therapy: A case series

A Comparative Review of Cytokines and Cytokine Targeting in Sepsis: From Humans to Horses

With the emergence of COVID-19, there is an increased focus in human literature on cytokine production, the implications of cytokine overproduction, and the development of novel cytokine-targeting therapies for use during sepsis. In addition to viral infections such as COVID-19, bacterial infections resulting in exposure to endotoxins and exotoxins in humans can also lead to sepsis, resulting in organ failure and death. Like humans, horses are exquisitely sensitive to endotoxin and are among the veterinary species that develop clinical sepsis similar to humans. These similarities suggest that horses may serve as a naturally occurring model of human sepsis. Indeed, evidence shows that both species experience cytokine dysregulation, severe neutropenia, the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, and decreased perfusion parameters during sepsis. Sepsis treatments that target cytokines in both species include hemoperfusion therapy, steroids, antioxidants, and immunomodulation therapy. This review will present the shared cytokine physiology across humans and horses as well as historical and updated perspectives on cytokine-targeting therapy. Finally, this review will discuss the potential benefits of increased knowledge of equine cytokine mechanisms and their potential positive impact on human medicine.

The role of hemoadsorption in cardiac surgery - a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal blood purification has been widely used in intensive care medicine, nephrology, toxicology, and other fields. During the last decade, with the emergence of new adsorptive blood purification devices, hemoadsorption has been increasingly applied during CPB in cardiac surgery, for patients at different inflammatory risks, or for postoperative complications. Clinical evidence so far has not provided definite answers concerning this adjunctive treatment. The current systematic review aimed to critically assess the role of perioperative hemoadsorption in cardiac surgery, by summarizing the current knowledge in this clinical setting.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane library, and the database provided by CytoSorbents was conducted on June 1st, 2023. The search terms were chosen by applying neutral search keywords to perform a non-biased systematic search, including language variations of terms "cardiac surgery" and "hemoadsorption". The screening and selection process followed scientific principles (PRISMA statement). Abstracts were considered for inclusion if they were written in English and published within the last ten years. Publications were eligible for assessment if reporting on original data from any type of study (excluding case reports) in which a hemoadsorption device was investigated during or after cardiac surgery. Results were summarized according to sub-fields and presented in a tabular view.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 29 publications with a total of 1,057 patients who were treated with hemoadsorption and 988 control patients. Articles were grouped and descriptively analyzed due to the remarkable variability in study designs, however, all reported exclusively on CytoSorb® therapy. A total of 62% (18/29) of the included articles reported on safety and no unanticipated adverse events have been observed. The most frequently reported clinical outcome associated with hemoadsorption was reduced vasopressor demand resulting in better hemodynamic stability.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of hemoadsorption in cardiac surgery seems to be justified in selected high-risk cases in infective endocarditis, aortic surgery, heart transplantation, and emergency surgery in patients under antithrombotic therapy, as well as in those who develop a dysregulated inflammatory response, vasoplegia, or septic shock postoperatively. Future large randomized controlled trials are needed to better define proper patient selection, dosing, and timing of the therapy.

Does adjunctive hemoadsorption provide benefit in the management of ischemia-reperfusion syndrome following near-drowning? A case report

Drowning remains a significant global health concern, claiming over 300,000 lives annually, with a disproportionate impact on young individuals in low-and middle-income countries. Conventional mechanical ventilation, while common, falls short in addressing the hypoxemia and hypercapnia often observed in severe near-drowning cases. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO) emerges as a critical intervention for cardiopulmonary failure post-drowning. This case report delves into the pivotal role of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in a near-drowning-related pathology. Following the initial insult, reoxygenation exacerbates the inflammatory cascade, resulting in a surge of pro-inflammatory mediators. In this context, CytoSorb®, a hemoadsorption cartridge, demonstrates promise by effectively removing these mediators from circulation. This report outlines its application in a critically ill adolescent patient who experienced near-drowning, presenting a compelling case for CytoSorb as an adjunctive therapy in managing IRI-induced hyperinflammation.

Impact of CytoSorb® on interleukin-6 in cardiac surgery

Objective

Cardiac surgery is known to activate a cascade of inflammatory mediators leading to a systemic inflammatory response. Hemadsorption (HA) devices such as CytoSorb® have been postulated to mitigate an overshooting immune response, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and thus improve outcome. We aimed to investigate the effect of CytoSorb® on interleukin (IL)-6 levels in patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery in comparison to a control group.

Methods

A total of 56 patients (28 CytoSorb®, 28 control) undergoing acute and elective cardiac surgery between January 2020 and February 2021 at the Department of Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, Clinic Floridsdorf, Vienna, were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was the difference in IL-6 levels between the CytoSorb® and control group. Secondary endpoint was periprocedural mortality.

Results

CytoSorb®, installed in the bypass circuit, had no significant effect on IL-6 levels. IL-6 peaked on the first postoperative day (HA: 775.3 ± 838.4 vs. control: 855.5 ± 1,052.9 pg/ml, p = 0.856). In total, three patients died in the HA group, none in the control (logistic regression model, p = 0.996). Patients with an increased Euroscore II of 7 or more showed a reduced IL-6 response compared to patients with an Euroscore II below 7 (178.3 ± 63.1 pg/ml vs. 908.6 ± 972.6 pg/ml, p-value = 0.00306).

Conclusions

No significant reduction of IL-6 levels or periprocedural mortality through intraoperative HA with CytoSorb® in patients undergoing cardiac surgery was observed. However, this study was able to show a reduced immunologic response in patients with a high Euroscore II. The routine application of CytoSorb® in cardiac surgery to reduce inflammatory mediators has to be scrutinized in future prospective randomized studies.

Hemoadsorption in Complex Cardiac Surgery-A Single Center Experience

(1) Background: Cardiac surgery may evoke a generalized inflammatory response, typically magnified in complex, combined, redo, and emergency procedures with long aortic cross-clamp times. Various treatment options have been introduced to help regain control over post-cardiac surgery hyper-inflammation, including hemoadsorptive immunomodulation with CytoSorb^®. (2) Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study of patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery. Patients intra-operatively treated with CytoSorb^® were compared to a control group. The primary outcome was the change in the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) from pre-operatively to post-operatively. (3) Results: A total of 52 patients were included in the analysis, where 23 were treated with CytoSorb^® (CS) and 29 without (controls). The mean VIS increase from pre-operative to post-operative values was significantly lower in the CS group compared to the control group (3.5 vs. 5.5, respectively, p = 0.05). In-hospital mortality in the control group was 20.7% (6 patients) and 9.1% (2 patients) in the CS group (p = 0.26). Lactate level changes were comparable, and the median intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay were similar between groups. (4) Conclusions: Despite notable imbalances between the groups, the signals revealed point toward better hemodynamic stability with CytoSorb^® hemoadsorption in complex cardiac surgery and a trend of lower mortality.

Influence of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Integrated Hemoadsorption on the Early Reversal of Multiorgan and Microcirculatory Dysfunction and Outcome of Refractory Cardiogenic Shock

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA−ECMO) integrated hemoadsorption on the reversal of multiorgan and microcirculatory dysfunction, and early mortality of refractory cardiogenic shock patients. Methods: Propensity score−matched cohort study of 29 pairs of patients. Subjects received either VA−ECMO supplemented with hemoadsorption or standard VA−ECMO management. Results: There was a lower mean sequential organ failure assessment score (p = 0.04), lactate concentration (p = 0.015), P(v−a)CO2 gap (p < 0.001), vasoactive inotropic score (p = 0.007), and reduced delta C−reactive protein level (p = 0.005) in the hemoadsorption compared to control groups after 72 h. In−hospital mortality was similar to the predictions in the control group (62.1%) and was much lower than the predicted value in the hemoadsorption group (44.8%). There were less ECMO-associated bleeding complications in the hemoadsorption group compared to controls (p = 0.049). Overall, 90-day survival was better in the hemoadsorption group than in controls without statistical significance. Conclusion: VA−ECMO integrated hemoadsorption treatment was associated with accelerated recovery of multiorgan and microcirculatory dysfunction, mitigated inflammatory response, less bleeding complications, and lower risk for early mortality in comparison with controls.

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.

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.

Eficacia del CytoSorb en un paciente en ECMO V-V secundario a síndrome respiratorio agudo severo por coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

El síndrome de dificultad respiratoria del adulto (SDRA) por el virus SARS-CoV-2 tiene una alta morbi-mortalidad secundaria al severo compromiso pulmonar sumado a una respuesta inmune disregulada, causal de una tormenta de citoquinas y disfunción orgánica. La membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea veno-venosa (ECMO V-V) es un soporte de rescate que ha demostrado efectividad en casos severos y refractarios de SDRA; no obstante, también puede generar una respuesta inflamatoria sistémica por el contacto de la sangre con la superficie extraña. Por estas razones las estrategias de purificación sanguínea, como la hemo-adsorción con CytoSorb, son una alternativa terapéutica frente una liberación exagerada de citoquinas. Se describe el caso de un paciente joven con SDRA severo y refractario por SARS-CoV-2 con necesidad de soporte ECMO, y posterior clínica de tormenta de citoquinas dada por hipotensión y disfunción multiorgánica, con necesidad de remoción extracorpórea de citoquinas con CytoSorb, con los cuales logró una estabilización clínica que permitió retiro del soporte extracorpóreo.

Effect of Cytokine Adsorption on Survival and Circulatory Stabilization in Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Even after the introduction of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), survival after cardiac arrest remains poor. Excess release of vasoactive cytokines may be a reason for cardiovascular instability and death after ECPR. Recently, an extracorporeal cytokine adsorption device (CytoSorb) to reduce elevated levels of circulating cytokines has been introduced. So far, it remains unclear if this device may improve survival and cardiovascular stabilization after ECPR. We report data from our investigator-initiated, single-center ECPR registry. We compared 23 ECPR patients treated with cytokine adsorption with a propensity-matched cohort of ECPR patients without cytokine adsorption. We analyzed survival, lactate clearance, vasopressor need, and fluid demand in both groups and performed between-group comparisons. Survival to discharge from intensive care unit (ICU) was 17.4% (4/23) in the cytokine adsorption group and 21.7% in the control group (5/23, P > 0.99). In both groups, we observed a decrease of serum-lactate, need for vasopressors, and fluid demand during the first 72 hours after ECPR. However, in direct comparison, we did not find significant between-group differences. In this retrospective registry study employing propensity score matching, cytokine adsorption in severely ill patients after ECPR was not associated with improved ICU survival nor a decrease of lactate, fluid, or vasopressor levels. Due to small case numbers and the retrospective design of the study, our results neither disprove nor confirm a clinically relevant treatment effect of cytokine adsorption. Results from larger trials, preferably randomized-controlled trials are required to better understand the clinical benefit of cytokine adsorption after ECPR.

Is intensive care unit mortality a valid survival outcome measure related to critical illness?

RATIONALE

Use of death as an outcome of intensive care unit (ICU) admission may be biased by differential discharge decisions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the validity of ICU survival status as an outcome measure of all cause case-fatality.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of first admissions among adults to four ICUs in North Brisbane, Australia was assembled. Death in ICU (censored at discharge or 30 days) was compared with 30-day overall case-fatality.

RESULTS

The 30-day overall case-fatality was 8.1% (2436/29,939). One thousand six hundred and thirty-one deaths occurred within the ICU stay and 576 subsequent during hospital post-ICU discharge within 30-days; ICU and hospital case-fatality rates were 5.4% and 7.4%, respectively. An additional 229 patients died after hospital separation within 30 days of ICU admission of which 110 (48.0%) were transferred to another acute care hospital, 80 (34.9%) discharged home, and 39 (17.0%) transferred to an aged care/chronic care/rehabilitation facility. Patients who died after ICU discharge were older, had higher APACHE III scores, were more likely to be elective surgical patients, and were less likely to be out of state residents or managed in a tertiary referral hospital. Limiting determination of case-fatality to ICU information alone would correctly detect 95% (780/821) of all-cause mortality at day 3, 90% (1093/1213) at day 5, 75% (1524/2019) at day 15, 72% (1592/2244) at day 21, and 67% (1631/2436) at day 30 of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of ICU case-fatality significantly underestimates the true burden and biases assessment of determinants of critical illness-related mortality in our region.

Therapeutic Modulation of the Host Defense by Hemoadsorption with CytoSorb®-Basics, Indications and Perspectives-A Scoping Review

The "normal" immune response to an insult triggers a highly regulated response determined by the interaction of various immunocompetent cells with pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Under pathologic conditions, the massive elevation of cytokine levels ("cytokine storm") could not be controlled until the recent development of hemoadsorption devices that are able to extract a variety of different DAMPs, PAMPs, and metabolic products from the blood. CytoSorb® has been approved for adjunctive sepsis therapy since 2011. This review aims to summarize theoretical knowledge, in vitro results, and clinical findings to provide the clinician with pragmatic guidance for daily practice. English-language and peer-reviewed literature identified by a selective literature search in PubMed and published between January 2016 and May 2021 was included. Hemoadsorption can be used successfully as adjunct to a complex therapeutic regimen for various conditions. To the contrary, this nonspecific intervention may potentially worsen patient outcomes in complex immunological processes. CytoSorb® therapy appears to be safe and useful in various diseases (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, liver failure, or intoxications) as well as in septic shock or cytokine release syndrome, although a conclusive assessment of treatment benefit is not possible and no survival benefit has yet been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials.

CytoSorb purification in critically ill SARS-CoV-2 patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe the experience with CytoSorb treatment in patients with refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study on 15 patients treated in a University Hospital.

RESULTS

All patients were male, with a mean age of 55 ± 14 years; eight patients (53%) were on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) due to refractory ARDS and all (100%) under mechanical ventilation at the time of CytoSorb use. We observed reduction in the level of C reactive protein (-52%, p = 0.002), total bilirubin (-46%, p = 0.03), direct bilirubin (-50%, p = 0.02), and D-dimers (-39%, p = 0.04) during CytoSorb treatment and a trend toward reduction in lactate dehydrogenase (-20%, p = 0.2), creatine phosphokinase (-38%, p = 0.1), and fibrinogen (-15%, p = 0.07). Eight patients died (53%) and seven (47%) were discharged from the ICU, of which five had recovery of the native lung function and two were successfully bridged to lung transplantation on VV ECMO support. No difference between survivors and non-survivors was present at baseline. Patients received three CytoSorb cycles on average: mean duration of CytoSorb cycle was 17 h 21 min, but premature circuit clotting despite appropriate level of systemic anticoagulation was frequently observed.

CONCLUSIONS

CytoSorb treatment was effective in improving several laboratory parameters and inflammation in our experience and no treatment-related adverse effects were recorded. In the light of the unique pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, CytoSorb treatment is extremely promising, since it might both reduce inflammation and activation of coagulation.

Kidney Microcirculation as a Target for Innovative Therapies in AKI

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious multifactorial conditions accompanied by the loss of function and damage. The renal microcirculation plays a crucial role in maintaining the kidney’s functional and structural integrity for oxygen and nutrient supply and waste product removal. However, alterations in microcirculation and oxygenation due to renal perfusion defects, hypoxia, renal tubular, and endothelial damage can result in AKI and the loss of renal function regardless of systemic hemodynamic changes. The unique structural organization of the renal microvasculature and the presence of autoregulation make it difficult to understand the mechanisms and the occurrence of AKI following disorders such as septic, hemorrhagic, or cardiogenic shock; ischemia/reperfusion; chronic heart failure; cardiorenal syndrome; and hemodilution. In this review, we describe the organization of microcirculation, autoregulation, and pathophysiological alterations leading to AKI. We then suggest innovative therapies focused on the protection of the renal microcirculation and oxygenation to prevent AKI.

Elimination of three doses of gentamicin over three consecutive days using a polyacrylonitrile-derived filter: An in vitro assessment

INTRODUCTION

Adsorption of gentamicin in a polyacrylonitrile filter was previously evidenced in a session lasting 6 h using the NeckEpur model. We extended the study over three consecutive days to mimic the 72-h life span of a filter.

METHODS

Prismaflex^® monitor and ST150^® filter were used in the continuous diafiltration (CDF) mode at a 2.5 L/h flowrate. The daily session started with a 6-h session of CDF. Thereafter, the 5-L central compartment was changed using a bag free of gentamicin to assess gentamicin release over the following 18 h. Experiments were repeated on Day 2 and stopped at the end of the 6-h session of CDF on Day 3. The experiment was performed in duplicate.

RESULTS

At a 2.5 L/h diafiltration flowrate, the mean daily clearances of gentamicin were 5.5, 4.0, and 3.3 L/h, respectively. The mean diafiltration and adsorption ratios in the daily elimination of gentamicin were 32/68%, 58/42%, and 88/12%, respectively. During days 1 and 2, the mean amount of gentamicin released from the ST150^® filter were 14 and 34 mg, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The pharmacokinetics of gentamicin over 3 days is strongly altered by adsorption in the same filter with a progressive decrease of elimination by adsorption, suggesting saturation of the filter. One limitation of our study results from the mode of administration using a bolus dose instead of an infusion over 30 min. Adsorption adds a clearance to those of diafiltration. The time-dependency of gentamicin clearance precludes using a constant dosage regimen over the filter's life span.

Can the cytokine adsorber CytoSorb® help to mitigate cytokine storm and reduce mortality in critically ill patients? A propensity score matching analysis

Background

A cytokine storm is life threatening for critically ill patients and is mainly caused by sepsis or severe trauma. In combination with supportive therapy, the cytokine adsorber Cytosorb^® (CS) is increasingly used for the treatment of cytokine storm. However, it is questionable whether its use is actually beneficial in these patients.

Methods

Patients with an interleukin-6 (IL-6) > 10,000 pg/ml were retrospectively included between October 2014 and May 2020 and were divided into two groups (group 1: CS therapy; group 2: no CS therapy). Inclusion criteria were a regularly measured IL-6 and, for patients allocated to group 1, CS therapy for at least 90 min. A propensity score (PS) matching analysis with significant baseline differences as predictors (Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, renal replacement therapy, IL-6, lactate and norepinephrine demand) was performed to compare both groups (adjustment tolerance: < 0.05; standardization tolerance: < 10%). U-test and Fisher’s-test were used for independent variables and the Wilcoxon test was used for dependent variables.

Results

In total, 143 patients were included in the initial evaluation (group 1: 38; group 2: 105). Nineteen comparable pairings could be formed (mean initial IL-6: 58,385 vs. 59,812 pg/ml; mean SAPS II: 77 vs. 75). There was a significant reduction in IL-6 in patients with (p < 0.001) and without CS treatment (p = 0.005). However, there was no significant difference (p = 0.708) in the median relative reduction in both groups (89% vs. 80%). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the relative change in C-reactive protein, lactate, or norepinephrine demand in either group and the in-hospital mortality was similar between groups (73.7%).

Conclusion

Our study showed no difference in IL-6 reduction, hemodynamic stabilization, or mortality in patients with Cytosorb^® treatment compared to a matched patient population.

The Potential Role of Extracorporeal Cytokine Removal in Hemodynamic Stabilization in Hyperinflammatory Shock

Hemodynamic instability due to dysregulated host response is a life-threatening condition requiring vasopressors and vital organ support. Hemoadsorption with Cytosorb has proven to be effective in reducing cytokines and possibly in attenuating the devastating effects of the cytokine storm originating from the immune over-response to the initial insult. We reviewed the PubMed database to assess evidence of the impact of Cytosorb on norepinephrine needs in the critically ill. We further analyzed those studies including data on control cohorts in a comparative pooled analysis, defining a treatment effect as the standardized mean differences in relative reductions in vasopressor dosage at 24 h. The literature search returned 33 eligible studies. We found evidence of a significant reduction in norepinephrine requirement after treatment: median before, 0.55 (IQR: 0.39-0.90); after, 0.09 (0.00-0.25) μg/kg/min, p < 0.001. The pooled effect size at 24 h was large, though characterized by high heterogeneity. In light of the importance of a quick resolution of hemodynamic instability in the critically ill, further research is encouraged to enrich knowledge on the potentials of the therapy.

Opportunities, controversies, and challenges of extracorporeal hemoadsorption with CytoSorb during ECMO

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is frequently used in many centers around the globe for various indications. However, prognosis is often poor even with all supportive therapies, and in many cases, clinical deterioration is associated with inflammation. Hemoadsorption with CytoSorb is a novel approach to limit the inflammatory response, and the device can be safely and easily installed into ECMO circuits. CytoSorb has been used more than 130.000 times to date, but because randomized controlled trials are largely lacking, there is substantial debate on its use. Here, experts from critical care medicine, cardiology, cardiac surgery, and perfusion technology discuss the pros and cons of this novel therapy and outline the future aspects for its clinical application and research.

Continuous hemadsorption with cytokine adsorber for severe COVID-19: A case series of 15 patients

BACKGROUND

Hyperinflammation and cytokine release has been associated with severe Covid-19. Hemadsorption cartridges may have a potential role in treatment of cytokine storm associated with the development of severe Covid-19.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the case records of patients with severe Covid-19 receiving adjunctive hemadsorption (HA) in our ICU. We analyzed inflammatory biomarkers pre- and post- HA.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients received HA during the study period. All were intubated, ventilated and required renal replacement therapy. 11/15 were supported on ECMO. Mean ferritin 2652 (±3286) ng/ml, mean CRP 154 (±92) mg/ml, median D-dimer 3071 (±2689) ng/ml, mean troponin 236 (±461) ng/L. We found significant difference in pre-and post- treatment ferritin 3622 ng/ml versus 1682 ng/ml (p = 0.022), CRP 222 mg/ml versus 103 mg/ml (p = 0.008, 95% CI 22.4-126.5), lactate 2 mmol/L versus 1.3 mmol/L (p = 0.017), and procalcitonin 15.3 ng/ml versus 4.2 ng/ml (p = 0.023). No significant difference in pre- and post- treatment IL-6 14 pg/ml versus 43 pg/ml (p = 0.32), IL-10 3.4 pg/ml versus 2.6 pg/ml (p = 0.31), IL1 β 0.37 pg/ml versus 0.77 pg/ml (p = 0.75), TNF α 12.77 pg/ml versus 12.49 pg/ml (p = 0.75), VIS 10.04 versus 6.01 (p = 0.31, 95% CI 5.98-17.16) was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of HA as adjunctive treatment in a critically unwell group of COVID-19 patients lead to a reduction in ferritin, CRP, procalcitonin and lactate with no significant change in other parameters. The use of HA in the treatment of severe COVID-19 requires further larger randomized studies.

Use of CytoSorb in cases of acute amitriptyline intoxication

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Intoxications with the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline frequently occur in the clinical setting and require immediate treatment. Although various poisonings can be counteracted with specific remedies, treatment options for amitriptyline intoxication remain sparse. Besides conventional approaches, a new haemoadsorption device might represent an opportunity for therapeutic detoxification.

CASE SUMMARY

We report on two patients who were admitted as an emergency case with suspected amitriptyline overdose. Due to potentially life-threatening intoxication, the decision was made to initiate continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) together with CytoSorb haemoadsorption. As a result, drug-level measurements showed fast and efficient reduction of amitriptyline levels in the blood (case 1 from 186 µg/l to 54.7 µg/l, case 2 from 844 µg/l to 290 µg/l) and helped to stabilize a critical situation.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

We were able to quickly and efficiently reduce amitriptyline to non-toxic serum levels and to stabilize a critical situation using the CytoSorb adsorber. Therefore, in the absence of other proven beneficial treatment regimen, the use of CytoSorb haemoadsorption could represent a potential treatment modality for severe amitriptyline intoxication.