Therapeutic apheresis and dialysis : official peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy
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In the intensive care unit, apheresis therapy (including plasma exchange, selective immunoadsorption and -affinity and detoxification by hemoperfusion) is limited to certain disease entities. Temporary insertion of large-bore central venous catheters is necessary for efficient performance of apheresis therapy. ⋯ Early and delayed complications are briefly discussed. Appropriate selection of the catheter insertion site, the catheter type, strictly aseptic insertion procedures and optimal care of catheter and insertion site are essential to avoid complications.
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The polymyxin B immobilized fiber column (PMX) has been used to treat septic shock patients since 1994 under the Japanese health insurance system. In 1997, the results of the first multicenter clinical study enrolling 42 patients were published, showing a significant reduction in the plasma endotoxin level of the survivors, whilst there was no change with the non-survivors, following treatment with PMX. Body temperature, blood pressure and hemodynamic abnormalities were significantly improved after PMX treatment. ⋯ Possible mediators include endogenous cannabinoids, such as macrophage-derived anandamide, and platelet-derived 2-arachidonyl glyceride (2-AG) and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential cofactor for inducible NO synthase. The interaction between PMX and activated monocytes may suggest an alternative mechanism for the improvement in patient condition following PMX treatment. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms of PMX treatment and to strengthen the scientific basis of this treatment.
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Review Comparative Study
Extracorporeal endotoxin removal for the treatment of sepsis: endotoxin adsorption cartridge (Toraymyxin).
Toray Industries Inc. has developed an endotoxin removal cartridge (Toraymyxin) composed of a polymyxin B immobilized, fibrous adsorbent. Toraymyxin has been listed as a blood purification medical device for endotoxin removal to be reimbursed by the Japanese national health insurance since 1994. Toraymyxin can be applied to patients with endotoxemia or suspected gram-negative infection, which fulfilll the conditions of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and have septic shock demanding vasopressor infusion. ⋯ The safety of this device has been confirmed and improvement of hemodynamic dysfunction has been shown to be a major benefit. Infection resulting from an acute abdominal condition requiring surgery has been shown to be one of the good indications for Toraymyxin. Further studies are now ongoing to establish Toraymyxin treatment as one of the options to treat sepsis and septic shock patients and to clarify the mechanisms involved in this therapy.