CytoSorb Therapy in COVID-19 (CTC) Patients Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Multicenter, Retrospective Registry

The addition of Cytosorb in patients on VA-ECMO improves urinary output and ICU survival

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency of CytoSorb adsorber in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock and treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

METHODS

Sixteen patients put on VA ECMO due to cardiogenic shock were included, stratified according to the use of Cytosorb adsorber in the first 24 h and compared across different clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Significantly lower vasopressor doses were required among patients treated with Cytosorb at the initiation and before weaning from ECMO. Furthermore, these patients showed significantly higher urine output before weaning and lower lactate levels during the extracorporeal support. Finally, the mortality rate was lower among the Cytosorb therapy group (22.2% vs 57.1%).

CONCLUSION

While a decrease in vasopressor doses was already associated with CytoSorb use, this is the first study showing an increase in urinary output and a trend towards better survival among patients on VA ECMO treated with CytoSorb.

AKI in Adults with COVID-19 Infection: Mechanisms of Development and Role of Blood Filtration Devices in Treatment

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, acute kidney injury (AKI) was a common sequela of COVID-19 infection and predicted disease severity and mortality. Extracorporeal blood purification techniques involving blood filtration devices are an emerging treatment for AKI in the setting of severe COVID-19 infections. In this review, we discuss potential mechanisms for the development of AKI in COVID-19 patients as well as the various available blood filtration devices and the role they may play in managing the AKI in COVID-19 patients. A total of seven blood filters currently available were compared based on their potential in treating AKI in COVID-19 patients. Blood filtration devices show potential as an emerging treatment modality for COVID-19-induced AKI, but further clinical trials are necessary before their widespread adoption and usage.

Cannulate, extubate, ambulate approach for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

We compared outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) managed using a dynamic, goal-driven approach to venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, single-center analysis of our institutional ECMO registry using data from 2017 to 2021. We used Kaplan-Meier plots, Cox proportional hazard models, and propensity score analyses to evaluate the association of COVID-19 status (COVID-19-related ARDS vs non-COVID-19 ARDS) and survival to decannulation, discharge, tracheostomy, and extubation. We also conducted subgroup analyses to compare outcomes with the use of extracorporeal cytoreductive techniques (CytoSorb [CytoSorbents Corp] and plasmapheresis).

RESULTS

The sample comprised 128 patients, 50 with COVID-19 and 78 with non-COVID-19 ARDS. Advancing age was associated with decreased probability of survival to decannulation (P = .04). Compared with the non-COVID-19 ARDS group, patients with COVID-19 had a greater probability of survival to extubation (P < .01) and comparable survival to discharge (P = .14).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with COVID-19 managed with ECMO had comparable outcomes as patients with non-COVID ARDS. A strategy of early extubation and ambulation might be a safe and effective strategy to improve outcomes and survival, even for patients with severe COVID-19.

Inflammatory Biomarkers Affecting Survival Prognosis in Patients Receiving Veno-Venous ECMO for Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

Severe COVID-19 pneumonia in which mechanical ventilation is unable to achieve adequate gas exchange can be treated with veno-venous ECMO, eliminating the need for aggressive mechanical ventilation which might promote ventilator-induced lung injury and increase mortality. In this retrospective observational study, 18 critically ill COVID-19 patients who were treated using V-V ECMO during an 11-month period in a tertiary COVID-19 hospital were analyzed. Biomarkers of inflammation and clinical features were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Survival rates were compared between patients receiving ECMO and propensity matched mechanically ventilated controls. There were 7 survivors and 11 non-survivors. The survivors were significantly younger, with a higher proportion of females, higher serum procalcitonin at ICU admission, and before initiation of ECMO they had significantly lower Murray scores, PaCO₂, WBC counts, serum ferritin levels, and higher glomerular filtration rates. No significant difference in mortality was found between patients treated with ECMO compared to patients treated using conventional lung protective ventilation. Hypercapnia, leukocytosis, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and increased serum ferritin levels prior to initiation of V-V ECMO in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia may be early warning signs of reduced chance of survival. Further multicentric studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Extracorporeal hemoadsorption in critically ill COVID-19 patients on VV ECMO: the CytoSorb therapy in COVID-19 (CTC) registry

OBJECTIVES

The CytoSorb therapy in COVID-19 (CTC) registry evaluated the clinical performance and treatment parameters of extracorporeal hemoadsorption integrated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) in critically ill COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure under US FDA Emergency Use Authorization.

DESIGN

Multicenter, observational, registry (NCT04391920).

SETTING

Intensive care units (ICUs) in five major US academic centers between April 2020 and January 2022.

PATIENTS

A total of 100 critically ill adults with COVID-19-related ARDS requiring VV ECMO support, who were treated with extracorporeal hemoadsorption.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory values and outcomes were recorded following individual ethics committee approval at each center. Detailed data on organ support utilization parameters and hemoadsorption treatments were also collected. Biomarker data were collected according to the standard practice at each participating site, and available values were compared before and after hemoadsorption. The primary outcome of mortality was evaluated using a time-to-event analysis. A total of 100 patients (63% male; age 44 ± 11 years) were included. Survival rates were 86% at 30 days and 74% at 90 days. Median time from ICU admission to the initiation of hemoadsorption was 87 h and was used to define two post hoc groups: ≤ 87 h (group-early start, GE) and > 87 h (group-late start, GL). After the start of hemoadsorption, patients in the GE versus GL had significantly shorter median duration of mechanical ventilation (7 [2-26] vs. 17 [7-37] days, p = 0.02), ECMO support (13 [8-24] vs. 29 [14-38] days, p = 0.021) and ICU stay (17 [10-40] vs 36 [19-55] days, p = 0.002). Survival at 90 days in GE was 82% compared to 66% in GL (p = 0.14). No device-related adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill patients with severe COVID-19-related ARDS treated with the combination of VV-ECMO and hemoadsorption, 90-day survival was 74% and earlier intervention was associated with shorter need for organ support and ICU stay. These results lend support to the concept of "enhanced lung rest" with the combined use of VV-ECMO plus hemoadsorption in patients with ARDS.

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

BACKGROUND

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

AIM

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Blood filtering system for COVID-19 management: novel modality of the cytokine storm therapeutics

The newly emerged coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is virulent, contagious, and has rapidly gained many mutations, which makes it highly infectious and swiftly transmissible around the world. SARS-CoV-2 infects people of all ages and targets all body organs and their cellular compartments, starting from the respiratory system, where it shows many deleterious effects, to other tissues and organs. Systemic infection can lead to severe cases that require intensive intervention. Multiple approaches were elaborated, approved, and successfully used in the intervention of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. These approaches range from the utilization of single and/or mixed medications to specialized supportive devices. For critically ill COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, both extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and hemadsorption are utilized in combination or individually to support and release the etiological factors responsible for the "cytokine storm" underlying this condition. The current report discusses hemadsorption devices that can be used as part of supportive treatment for the COVID-19-associated cytokine storm.

CytoSorb in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A rapid evidence review and meta-analysis

Background

After its approval by the European Union in 2011, CytoSorb therapy has been applied to control cytokine storm and lower the increased levels of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators in blood. However, the efficiency of this CytoSorb treatment in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) still remains unclear. To elucidate the Cytosorb efficiency, we conducted a systematic review and single-arm proportion meta-analysis to combine all evidence available in the published literature to date, so that this comprehensive knowledge can guide clinical decision-making and future research.

Methods

The literature published within the period 1 December 2019 to 31 December 2021 and stored in the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) was searched for all relevant studies including the cases where COVID-19 patients were treated with CytoSorb. We performed random-effects meta-analyses by R software (3.6.1) and used the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist to assess the risk of bias. Both categorical and continuous variables were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as pooled proportions for categorical variables and pooled means for continuous outcomes.

Results

We included 14 studies with 241 COVID-19 patients treated with CytoSorb hemadsorption. Our findings reveal that for COVID-19 patients receiving CytoSorb treatment, the combined in-hospital mortality was 42.1% (95% CI 29.5-54.6%, I² = 74%). The pooled incidence of adjunctive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support was 73.2%. Both the C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels decreased after CytoSorb treatment. The pooled mean of the CRP level decreased from 147.55 (95% CI 91.14-203.96) to 92.36 mg/L (95% CI 46.74-137.98), while that of IL-6 decreased from 339.49 (95% CI 164.35-514.63) to 168.83 pg/mL (95% CI 82.22-255.45).

Conclusions

The majority of the COVID-19 patients treated with CytoSorb received ECMO support. In-hospital mortality was 42.1% for the COVID-19 patients who had CytoSorb treatment. Both CRP and IL-6 levels decreased after Cytosorb treatment.

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.

Can we attenuate ischaemia-reperfusion injury of allografts in a porcine left lung transplant models by adsorption of cytokines?

OBJECTIVES

Primary graft dysfunction resulting from ischaemia-reperfusion injury remains a major obstacle after lung transplantation (LTx) and is associated with morbidity and mortality. Continuous release of inflammatory cytokines, due to the process of ischaemia and reperfusion, triggers a complex cascade of apoptosis and necrosis resulting in graft dysfunction. Previous studies demonstrated successful graft improvement by cytokine filtration during ex vivo lung perfusion. We hypothesize that plasma cytokine filtration with CytoSorb® during in vivo graft perfusion immediately after implantation may attenuate ischaemia-reperfusion injury after left LTx in a porcine model.

METHODS

Left porcine LTx was performed with allografts preserved for 24 h at 4°C. In the treatment group [T] (n = 7), a veno-venous shunt was created to insert the cytokine filter (CytoSorbents, Berlin, Germany). In the sham group [S] (n = 4), the shunt was created without the filter. Haemodynamic parameters, lung mechanics, blood gases and plasma cytokines were assessed during 6 h in vivo reperfusion.

RESULTS

During 6 h of reperfusion, significant differences in plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine [interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ and interleukin (IL)-6] concentrations were observed between [T] and [S], but surprisingly with higher plasma levels in the [T] group. Plasma concentrations of other pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-12p40, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-α, IFN-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) did not find any evidence for a difference. Furthermore, our study failed to show meaningful difference in haemodynamics and blood gases. Also, no statistically significant differences were found between [T] and [S] in biopsies and wet-to-dry ratio at the end of the experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

In our porcine left LTx model cytokine filtration did not achieve the intended effect. This is in contrast to previous studies with CytoSorb use during ex vivo lung perfusion as a surrogate LTx model. Our findings might highlight the fact that the theoretical benefit of inserting an additional cytokine adsorber to improve graft function in clinical practice should be critically evaluated with further studies.

Extreme obesity is a strong predictor for in-hospital mortality and the prevalence of long-COVID in severe COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is common in COVID-19 patients and is associated with high mortality. The aim of this observational study was to describe patients' characteristics and outcome, identifying potential risk factors for in-hospital mortality and for developing Long-COVID symptoms. This retrospective study included all patients with COVID-19 associated ARDS (cARDS) in the period from March 2020 to March 2021 who were invasively ventilated at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital Dresden, Germany. Between October 2021 and December 2021 patients discharged alive (at minimum 6 months after hospital discharge-midterm survival) were contacted and interviewed about persistent symptoms possibly associated with COVID-19 as well as the quality of their lives using the EQ-5D-5L-questionnaire. Long-COVID was defined as the occurrence of one of the symptoms at least 6 months after discharge. Risk factors for mortality were assessed with Cox regression models and risk factors for developing Long-COVID symptoms by using relative risk (RR) regression. 184 Patients were included in this study (male: n = 134 (73%), median age 67 (range 25-92). All patients were diagnosed with ARDS according to the Berlin Definition. 89% of patients (n = 164) had severe ARDS (Horovitz-index < 100 mmHg). In 27% (n = 49) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was necessary to maintain gas exchange. The median length of in-hospital stay was 19 days (range 1-60). ICU mortality was 51%, hospital mortality 59%. Midterm survival (median 11 months) was 83% (n = 55) and 78% (n = 43) of these patients presented Long-COVID symptoms with fatigue as the most common symptom (70%). Extreme obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m²) was the strongest predictor for in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio: 3.147, confidence interval 1.000-9.897) and for developing Long-COVID symptoms (RR 1.61, confidence interval 1.26-2.06). In-hospital mortality in severe cARDS patients was high, but > 80% of patients discharged alive survived the midterm observation period. Nonetheless, most patients developed Long-COVID symptoms. Extreme obesity with BMI > 40 kg/m² was identified as independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality and for developing Long-COVID symptoms.Trial registration DRKS-ID DRKS00027856.

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.

Comparison of the CytoSorb® 300 mL and Jafron HA380 hemoadsorption devices: an in vitro study

INTRODUCTION

We performed an analysis of two blood purification systems to determine their performance for removing interleukins (ILs)-6 and 10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 from blood.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An in vitro hemoperfusion blood recirculation circuit was used to compare the CytoSorb^® 300 mL (CytoSorbents Inc., Princeton, NJ) and Jafron HA 380 (Jafron Biomedical Co., Ltd., Zhuhai City, China) devices. The removal of purified recombinant human IL-6, IL-10, TNFα and MCP-1 by the adsorbers was compared at various timepoints. Three runs were completed and removal was evaluated as the mean area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Both devices showed effective removal of the tested cytokines. IL-6, IL-10, TNFα and MCP-1 were removed faster and to a higher extent by the CytoSorb^® 300 mL device. At maximal time of 12 h, overall removal according to AUC of remaining concentrations was significantly lower with CytoSorb^® 300 mL compared with HA 380 (IL-6: 1075.5 ± 665.9 vs. 4345.1 ± 1499.3 (p = 0.01), IL-10: 5065.7 ± 882.5 vs. 11,939.7 ± 4523.1 (p = 0.03), TNF-α: 6519.9 ± 997.6 vs. 10,303.7 ± 2347.0 (p = 0.03) and MCP-1: 278.9 ± 40.7 vs. 607.3 ± 84.4 (p = 0.001)).

CONCLUSIONS

Both the CytoSorb^® and the Jafron HA 380 devices are capable of removing cytokines from blood in a benchtop model. The CytoSorb^® 300 device was significantly more efficient achieving the bulk of the removal in the first 120 min.

Sepsis Management in Southeast Asia: A Review and Clinical Experience

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that causes a global health burden associated with high mortality and morbidity. Often life-threatening, sepsis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. Sepsis management primarily focuses on source control and early broad-spectrum antibiotics, plus organ function support. Comprehensive changes in the way we manage sepsis patients include early identification, infective focus identification and immediate treatment with antimicrobial therapy, appropriate supportive care and hemodynamic optimization. Despite all efforts of clinical and experimental research over thirty years, the capacity to positively influence the outcome of the disease remains limited. This can be due to limited studies available on sepsis in developing countries, especially in Southeast Asia. This review summarizes the progress made in the diagnosis and time associated with sepsis, colistin resistance and chloramphenicol boon, antibiotic abuse, resource constraints and association of sepsis with COVID-19 in Southeast Asia. A personalized approach and innovative therapeutic alternatives such as CytoSorb® are highlighted as potential options for the treatment of patients with sepsis in Southeast Asia.

Urgent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Complicated by Systemic Inflammatory Response from Fulminant Herpes Zoster Successfully Managed with Adjunct Extracorporeal Hemoadsorption: A Case Report

Blood purification by hemoadsorption therapy seems to improve outcomes in selected patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Here, we report the successful application of hemoadsorption in the severe systemic inflammatory response during coronary artery bypass surgery in a patient with reactivated herpes zoster.

2021: Perioperative and Critical Care Year in Review for the Cardiothoracic Surgery Team

For yet another year, our lives have been dominated by a pandemic. This year in review, we feature an expert panel opinion regarding extracorporeal support in the context of COVID-19, challenging previously held standards. We also feature survey results assessing the impact of the pandemic on cardiac surgical volume. Furthermore, we focus on a single center experience that evaluated the use of pulmonary artery catheters and the comparison of transfusion strategies in the Restrictive and Liberal Transfusion Strategies in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction (REALITY) trial. Additionally, we address the impact of acute kidney injury on cardiac surgery and highlight the controversy regarding the choice of fluid resuscitation. We close with an evaluation of dysphagia in cardiac surgery and the impact of prehabilitation to optimize surgical outcomes.

Respiratory indications for ECMO: focus on COVID-19

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being used for patients with severe respiratory failure and has received particular attention during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Evidence from two key randomized controlled trials, a subsequent post hoc Bayesian analysis, and meta-analyses support the interpretation of a benefit of ECMO in combination with ultra-lung-protective ventilation for select patients with very severe forms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). During the pandemic, new evidence has emerged helping to better define the role of ECMO for patients with COVID-19. Results from large cohorts suggest outcomes during the first wave of the pandemic were similar to those in non-COVID-19 cohorts. As the pandemic continued, mortality of patients supported with ECMO has increased. However, the precise reasons for this observation are unclear. Known risk factors for mortality in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients are higher patient age, concomitant extra-pulmonary organ failures or malignancies, prolonged mechanical ventilation before ECMO, less experienced treatment teams and lower ECMO caseloads in the treating center. ECMO is a high resource-dependent support option; therefore, it should be used judiciously, and its availability may need to be constrained when resources are scarce. More evidence from high-quality research is required to better define the role and limitations of ECMO in patients with severe COVID-19.